Richard Hughes has been appointed sporting director of Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, just days after leaving the same role at Liverpool. The Saudi Pro League leaders confirmed that their board had "finalized the contract" with Hughes, who took up his new duties after arriving in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
In a statement, Al-Hilal said the appointment would "contribute to raising the quality of technical work, developing recruitment and scouting processes, and enhancing integration across all aspects related to the football sector." The move marks a swift transition for Hughes, whose exit from Anfield was confirmed only last weekend.
Hughes had joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024, taking charge of football operations at a pivotal moment for the club. He played a central role in appointing Arne Slot as head coach after Jurgen Klopp stepped down following almost nine years in charge. Slot's first season in charge ended in triumph, with Liverpool lifting the Premier League title. However, the following campaign proved far more difficult, as the club finished fifth despite an outlay of around £450 million on new arrivals, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz — both signings overseen by Hughes.
Slot was dismissed at the end of that disappointing season and was replaced by Andoni Iraola. Liverpool continued their heavy spending into the new campaign, investing more than £200 million, with the capture of PSG winger Bradley Barcola arriving in the closing days of the transfer window.
Liverpool said on Saturday that Hughes had expressed a desire to "seek a fresh challenge," bringing an end to his short but eventful tenure at the club. His departure comes less than two months after Michael Edwards left his position as CEO of football for Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, adding to a period of significant boardroom change at Anfield.
Al-Hilal, meanwhile, continue to assert their dominance both domestically and in the transfer market. The club, which boasts 21 league titles and four Asian Championships, has recently strengthened its squad with the additions of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal and England international Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. In April, the Saudi Public Investment Fund sold a 70% stake in Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, the investment firm led by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, a member of the Saudi royal family.
Al-Hilal currently sit atop the Saudi Pro League table after winning all five of their matches so far this season, holding a three-point advantage over both Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr and Al Qadsiah. The club will be hoping that Hughes' recruitment expertise, honed during his time in the Premier League, can help sustain their dominance both at home and in continental competition.
Back in England, Liverpool secured their first league win of the season on Friday night, defeating newly promoted Ipswich Town 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Isak. Attention now turns to the Champions League, with Iraola's side preparing to host Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night as they look to build momentum on multiple fronts following a turbulent start to the campaign both on and off the pitch.
Based on reporting from The Independent.