Two Liverpool Scouting Chiefs Set to Follow Hughes to Al Hilal

Two members of Liverpool Football Club's recruitment department will follow sporting director Richard Hughes in moving to Al Hilal.

Mark Birchill and Craig McKay joined Liverpool from Bournemouth with Hughes two years ago, and they are now preparing to join the sporting director at the Saudi Pro League club.

Liverpool announced Hughes' departure last Saturday, and The Athletic reported that he is expected to reunite with former colleague Simon Francis at Al Hilal. The 47-year-old sporting director worked at Anfield for two and a half years, with his final task being overseeing the club's recent summer transfer window operations.

Liverpool's recruitment team raided again

Before joining Liverpool, Birchill was Bournemouth's chief scout. In March 2024, he joined the Merseyside club in a similar role and was involved in the restructuring of the recruitment team at the time. McKay was appointed Liverpool's head of scouting operations, having previously worked as a recruitment coordinator at Bournemouth.

The Athletic reported that Liverpool are expected to look internally for Hughes' successor. Julian Ward, FSG technical director, is among the candidates, with FSG being the parent company that holds a majority stake in Liverpool. Current assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG football development director Pedro Marques are also under consideration.

Senior figures at Fenway Sports Group insist that although Hughes is set to leave, there were no issues with his commitment during the transfer window.

Hughes farewell: Deeply proud

After his departure was confirmed, Hughes issued a statement: "Having the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution has been an immense source of pride for me. I will always be grateful for it."

Hughes was appointed Liverpool's sporting director in March 2024, with his first major task being to find Jurgen Klopp's successor. Arne Slot was eventually selected and led Liverpool to the 2024-25 Premier League title.

During Hughes' tenure, Liverpool spent £700 million (approximately $946 million) on recruitment, signing players including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet and Milos Kerkez.

Analysis: Liverpool's structure remains stable

Hughes became Liverpool's sporting director largely because of his relationship with Michael Edwards. The two previously worked together at Portsmouth, when one was a player and the other was an analyst.

At the end of last year, when Edwards informed Fenway Sports Group of his decision to leave, Hughes also realized that his future lay elsewhere. It was not a surprise that Birchill and McKay, two key figures under him, followed him out, and Al Hilal is expected to take all three to Saudi Arabia.

The departures may leave Liverpool's scouting department looking thinner in numbers, but the department's leader has not changed, with Barry Hunter having served as chief scout for 14 years. It is currently unclear whether Birchill and McKay will be replaced, but it is worth remembering that during their time at the club, Hunter's longtime colleague Dave Fallows had already left to join Chelsea. Hunter and Fallows previously oversaw much of Liverpool's successful recruitment work.