Richard Hughes makes incredible first step to end 24-year Liverpool 'agreement' | OneFootball

Richard Hughes could be about to do something Liverpool haven't done in 24-years.

The club's sporting director has shown during his tenure in charge that he is not afraid to ruffle a few feathers. Nor does he let his good sentiments get in the way of business.

That was apparent during the summer window with Hughes targeting his former teammate Eddie Howe's best player in Alexander Isak at Newcastle.

Hughes got his way with that one and the rest is history. Isak will end up becoming a very good forward for Liverpool. He just needs to be given time and space to acclimatise and get back to match fitness.

Ultimately, Hughes' work in the summer was an example of his ruthlessness and his refusal to follow and adhere to traditions.

The sporting director demonstrated that he's not afraid to spend big and go all out. Break the FSG mould so to speak.

This becomes even more of an interesting concept to ponder when reading the latest report in Foot Mercato.

According to the French outlet, Liverpool have added Iliman Ndiaye to their shortlist ahead of the 2026 summer transfer window. It's the first step to identifying a player. Apparently Liverpool have even held initial talks with the player's agent.

Undoubtedly, Hughes will have an extensive shortlist. However, it's very interesting that Ndiaye is on it.

He's a fantastic player. One of the most intelligent and eye-catching players in the Premier League right now.

But he also plays for Everton. Liverpool's arch rivals. With whom the two sides have almost had this unspoken 'agreement' with over the last two decades.

Not since 2002 have the two rivals conducted business with each other. The last time a player moved from Everton to Liverpool was Abel Xavier in January 2002, almost 24 years ago now.

It's why Ndiaye's move would be such an unprecedented one. Everton simply won't want to sell their best talent to Liverpool.

However, Hughes is seemingly refusing to adhere to those rules.

In terms of Ndiaye, he'd be a quality addition. He's just reaching the prime of his career at 25-years-old and as we said above he's one of the most eye-catching players in the Premier League.

He's extremely smart and effective on the ball. The type of player who is almost too good for Everton. But perfect for Liverpool.

Especially because over the course of the last two seasons Ndiaye has shown he can be extremely versatile. He can play on either wing, whether it's the left or the right side doesn't seem to matter to him. He's also comfortable playing as a no.10.

So, he could be deployed in multiple roles and provide more ammunition to Arne Slot's attack.

For that reason he's absolutely a player Liverpool should be looking at. Perhaps it's time to finally end the 24-year drought and bring someone from the blue to the red side of Merseyside.