Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down from his position at Anfield, bringing an end to a two-year stint that saw the Reds capture their 20th title. Hughes, 47, is reportedly poised to take up a lucrative sporting director role with Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal. The move will see Hughes reunite with former AFC Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis in Riyadh.Al-Hilal have orchestrated an aggressive raid on the Premier League in recent windows, splashing out massive fees to land Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, and Crysencio Summerville from West Ham United.Appointed from Bournemouth in June 2024, Hughes arrived during a period of massive transition at Anfield. Working alongside former head coach Arne Slot, Hughes helped deliver immediate domestic success with the 2024-25 Premier League crown.Speaking on behalf of the clubs ownership, FSG president Mike Gordon praised Hughes leadership throughout a crucial chapter in modern club history: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, he said.The results we achieved in these areas during this period are testament to this contribution. Nevertheless, we respect Richards life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture.In an official farewell statement, Hughes expressed deep gratitude to the Anfield hierarchy, staff, and fanbase:First and foremost, I would like to reiterate what I said upon my arrival it has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution. That is something I will always be grateful for.My appreciation extends to ownership for their support and leadership, to club staff at all levels who give so much to make Liverpool FC what it is, to the players who make such an enormous contribution and to the fans who support the team in great numbers whenever and wherever games take place.Ill always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond. Topics Liverpool F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Iraola hails Isak after first Liverpool win at Ipswich: Hes a massive player for us Mitch Fretton 4th September, 2026 Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool: Report, result and goals as Isak stars at Portman Road Mitch Fretton 4th September, 2026 WATCH: Isak double puts Liverpool into commanding lead at Ipswich Mitch Fretton 4th September, 2026 LIVE Ipswich v Liverpool: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 4th September, 2026 Ipswich vs Liverpool: Line-ups confirmed for Friday night football Mitch Fretton 4th September, 2026 Ipswich v Liverpool: Preview, predicted line-ups, stats and where to watch Ben Miller 4th September, 2026
