Official: Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes resigns; reportedly set to join Al Hilal

Liverpool have officially announced that Richard Hughes has resigned as the club's sporting director. Hughes has informed the club's owners of his desire to pursue a new challenge, and Liverpool have already begun the process of appointing his successor. According to The Athletic, Richard Hughes will become the new sporting director of Al Hilal.

Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in June 2024 to take up the role of sporting director. During his tenure, Liverpool won the 2024-25 league title, the club's 20th top-flight league championship trophy in history, and secured Champions League qualification in the following season.

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon thanked Hughes on behalf of the club's owners for his contributions: "Richard joined us at the beginning of a period of change at the club. He took on this responsibility, leading our football operations department, overseeing player recruitment, and also providing valuable support to the coaching staff."

"The achievements we have made in these areas during this period are the best proof of his contribution. Nevertheless, we respect the choices Richard has made for his own life and wish him and his family every success in the next chapter of their journey."

At the time of his departure, Hughes said: "First of all, I want to reiterate what I said when I first arrived here — having the opportunity to work for this incredible and unique club has always made me deeply proud, and I will forever be grateful for it."

"I want to thank the club's owners for their support and leadership, the staff at every level of the club who have given so much to make Liverpool what it is today; I also want to thank the players who have made enormous contributions, and our supporters, who always turn up in large numbers to support the team whenever and wherever we play."

"I will always follow and support this club with deep affection, and I sincerely wish everyone here success this season and in the future."

Liverpool also confirmed that the club has begun searching for and appointing a new sporting director, with the successor to be officially announced once confirmed.