Al Hilal plot move for Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes | OneFootball

Saudi Pro League (SPL) powerhouse Al Hilal are once again looking toward Europe as they plan their next big move behind the scenes.

According to The Athletic, Al Hilal have earmarked Liverpool executive Richard Hughes as a leading contender to become their new sporting director. 

The 46-year-old joined Liverpool in March 2024 after being handpicked by Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

He has one year left on his existing contract, but the SPL giants are hoping to lure him across the desert as early as this summer.

Al Hilal have a longstanding interest in Hughes. They wanted to bring him in before he joined Liverpool from Bournemouth and have now reignited their interest in the former Scotland international. 

This time, they are ready to make a serious push for the Scotsman. Hughes has been highly rated in the transfer market since his days as Bournemouth’s technical director.

He was appointed at the behest of the well-respected Michael Edwards, and the duo played a massive role in Liverpool’s Premier League title win last season.

One of the most important decisions Hughes has made as Liverpool’s sporting director is appointing Arne Slot as manager following the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2024.

He also oversaw the Reds’ record-breaking summer transfer window last year, with Liverpool forking out around £400 million to revamp the squad.

The reigning champions brought in Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, and Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

However, that splurge hasn’t helped Liverpool’s title defence, with the Reds currently in a three-way battle for a top-four finish alongside Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Liverpool’s statement transfer window may not have yielded the results they anticipated, but that hasn’t diminished Hughes’ reputation.

Al Hilal are convinced he’s the right man to lead their sporting vision. But at the moment, the club is focused on their title challenge, sitting just three points behind SPL leaders Al Nassr.