Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes ‘to leave’ for Saudi Pro League | OneFootball

Richard Hughes is expected to leave Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League, with a reunion with Simon Francis at Al-Hilal under discussion. The Athletic reports that the 47-year-old is the subject of sustained interest, with a move now seen as the likely outcome.

Hughes remains under contract until June 2027, but Al-Hilal are prepared to offer a lucrative package to lure him from Merseyside after a short tenure.

Al-Hilal have been working on the basis that he will eventually join their Riyadh project. He has not yet signed, but plans are in train for a managed exit that would make this summer window his last at Anfield as Fenway Sports Group begin the hunt for a successor.

For now, Hughes is leading Liverpool’s recruitment to back new head coach Andoni Iraola. He worked with Iraola at Bournemouth and Hughes believes the coach’s philosophy is the right fit after the Arne Slot era.

Iraola faces a sizeable task after a 2025-26 season when Liverpool looked mentally and physically frail for long spells. Hughes is driving a plan to restore intensity, with this window viewed as his final major contribution before any exit.

Al-Hilal want to recreate the successful Bournemouth partnership, with former team-mate Simon Francis already steering their transfer activity. The club are operating on the assumption Hughes will arrive to complete the management structure in due course.

Source: Goal.com