Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes to step down

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down and is set to join Saudi side Al Hilal.

Hughes had only been at the club since June 2024, after moving from a similar position at Bournemouth, and his exit had been expected with his contract set to expire in June 2027.

In the summer he oversaw a transfer spend of about £200m, including the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain.

"I'll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond," said Hughes, in a statement released by Liverpool.

Hughes, 47, arrived at Anfield after the departure of long-time manager Jurgen Klopp and was instrumental in the appointment of his successor, Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to a 20th Premier League title in his first season as manager.

Hughes oversaw the £125m record signing of Alexander Isak last summer and the £116m arrival of Florian Wirtz.

But Slot was unable to match his initial success and Liverpool finished fifth last season, prompting the Dutch manager's departure and his replacement by Andoni Iraola, who Hughes worked with at Bournemouth.

Mike Gordon, president of the Fenway Sports Group which owns Liverpool, said: "Richard joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department and overseeing recruitment while also providing valuable support to our coaching staff.

"The results we achieved in these areas during this period are testament to this contribution. Nevertheless, we respect Richard's life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture."