Liverpool turmoil as Richard Hughes set for blockbuster departure

Liverpool turmoil as Richard Hughes set for blockbuster departure

Richard Hughes only joined Liverpool two years ago but suggestions are that he's set to depart the club. Hughes was the choice as Liverpool sporting director, taking over a position vacated by Jorg Schmadtke.

But more importantly, he was going to lead the decision making post-Jurgen Klopp. That was a massive job and one that saw some of Klopp's power at the club diverted to the sporting director role.

Hughes has since appointed Arne Slot to directly replace Klopp, twice broken the club's transfer record, and overseen the greatest overhaul of playing staff in many years.

And yet, his part of the project may be about to end. The i newspaper reports that Hughes is set to head to Saudi Arabia. Now, they're far from the first outlet to report this and it's been heavily claimed by sources in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hilal want to install Hughes as their new sporting director. The suggestion from the i is that he's to accept an offer and leave Liverpool a year earlier than his contract is set to expire.

So what for Liverpool? They'll need a new head to steady the club as it moves forward and just two years on from having conducted the same search.

And what does that mean for Slot? Hughes is his biggest backer and the one who hired him. Any new sporting director may fancy his own man in charge of the team.

An incredible number of questions, then. Liverpool's entire direction could change rapidly in 2026.

Richard Hughes: Situation Summary

Liverpool Role and Recent Pressure

As of 15 May 2026, Richard Hughes is navigating a period of intense scrutiny as Liverpool’s Sporting Director. Since succeeding Jörg Schmadtke in June 2024, Hughes has been central to the club’s post-Klopp transition, but a difficult 2025/26 campaign has placed him under fire. Following a 1–1 draw with on 9 May, local reports noted a "mutinous mood" at Anfield, with fans questioning both Arne Slot’s tactics and the recruitment strategy overseen by Hughes. Critics have highlighted perceived squad imbalances and a failure to adequately address long-term needs during the 2025 summer window.