Days After Leaving Liverpool, He Becomes Sporting Director of Saudi Giants Al Hilal

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have appointed Richard Hughes as sporting director, just days after he stepped down from the same position at Liverpool.

Al Hilal confirmed that the board had “completed the signing of the contract” with Hughes, who began his duties after arriving on Sunday. The club said the appointment would “help improve the quality of technical work, enhance recruitment and scouting processes, and strengthen the integration of various aspects of football operations.”

From Bournemouth to Liverpool, and then Saudi Arabia

Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024 and, after manager Jürgen Klopp ended his nearly nine-year tenure at Anfield, he oversaw the appointment of head coach Arne Slot. Liverpool won the Premier League the following season, but the team’s performance last season was disappointing despite spending around £450 million on new signings, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

Slot was dismissed at the end of last season after the team finished fifth, with Andoni Iraola taking over. This summer, Liverpool spent more than £200 million again, including the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola in the final days of the transfer window.

Liverpool said on Saturday that Hughes wanted to “seek a new challenge.” His departure came less than two months after Michael Edwards stepped down as chief executive of football at Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group.

The powerhouse background of Al Hilal

Al Hilal are Saudi Arabia’s most successful club, with 21 league titles and four Asian championship titles. They recently signed Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal and England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

In April this year, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sold 70% of Al Hilal’s shares to Kingdom Holding Company, which is operated by billionaire and Saudi royal family member Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.

Al Hilal currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League this season.