Saudi sources optimistic over Liverpool raid despite initial approach being rejected | OneFootball

Saudi sources reportedly remain optimistic about landing Liverpool director Richard Hughes at some point despite an initial approach being rebuffed by the Reds.

Al Hilal are keen to bring in Hughes from Liverpool to work on their recruitment, but for now it looks like he’s set to stay at Anfield, according to talkSPORT.

Hughes’ current Liverpool contract runs until the end of next season, so it seems the Reds remain in control of the situation for now, but perhaps not for much longer.

Even if Hughes is not currently heading to the Saudi Pro League, it seems their sources are confident he will make the move eventually, according to the report.

Richard Hughes facing important summer for Liverpool

Even if Hughes is highly regarded inside Anfield, there will surely be a lot of pressure on him and other senior figures this summer after a disappointing season.

While there has been a lot of focus on the performance of manager Arne Slot, it’s also worth noting that the club’s recruitment last summer has ended up looking really poor.

LFC invested huge amounts of money in a lot of new signings, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both costing record-breaking figures but proving underwhelming on the pitch so far.

Liverpool’s 2025/26 summer signings (Wikipedia)

It’s vital that the Merseyside giants have a better window this year to correct some of these mistakes, with Hughes sure to have a key role in improving the squad.

Liverpool could also face Michael Edwards uncertainty

The report from talkSPORT adds that another key figure in Liverpool’s recruitment, Michael Edwards, is also out of contract at the end of next season.

This seems far from ideal for the club, as there may well be the very real risk of both Edwards and Hughes leaving at the same time.

With that in mind, it perhaps makes sense that Slot seems safe in his job as manager for now, with some stability definitely needed in what may well be a period of big change.