Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.
Richard Hughes has been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, although Rousing The Kop understands his future remains in Liverpool.
The Reds had a hugely successful transfer window on paper and one of the main reasons for this was because of sporting director Hughes.
When he first arrived, questions were raised due to Liverpool’s inactivity in the market, but any doubts have now been removed after what he has pulled off in the recent months.
His work has not gone unnoticed, though, as he has caught the eye of clubs in Saudi Arabia who are looking for a new sporting director, with Al Hilal one of these.
However, RTK understands that Liverpool have no plans to let him leave, with Hughes himself also showing no indication of wanting to try a new adventure.
Richard Hughes has no plans to leave Liverpool
Hughes’ job is one of the most important in football, with his business affecting how the club will be set up for years to come.
After this summer, although it has not been an immediate success, Liverpool are in a good position to compete regularly, hence why other teams want Hughes to do the same for them.
As per expert Graeme Bailey, however, Hughes is said not to be considering a move to the Saudi Pro League and has not discussed a move away from Anfield.
Hughes arrived at the club from Bournemouth last year and has enjoyed a very good 17 months on Merseyside.
He also brokered new deals for Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk before breaking the British transfer record twice this summer.
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are looking for a sporting director and whilst Hughes has been linked, we are told there is nothing from Hughes or Liverpool’s end to suggest any sort of interest.
Owners FSG and Michael Edwards are understood to be delighted with how Hughes has settled into his role since moving to the club and would resist any moves to lure him away.
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“Richard Hughes had a brilliant summer, he did everything required and more,’ Bailey told RTK.
“Liverpool believe in him, they picked him from Bournemouth and are happy with how things are going off-field and Hughes is central to that.”
Richard Hughes is essential to Liverpool’s plans
As mentioned, everyone associated with the club is more than happy with what Hughes has done since joining, with there being no plans to part ways anytime soon.
The 46-year-old also has plenty still to give, with his contacts something that could come in handy given the rumours surrounding the club.
One of these for example is Antoine Semenyo, with Hughes the one who signed the Ghanaian for Bournemouth and inserted a release clause into his contract.
So, having him around could help them get a deal over the line and beating rivals to his signature, which is another reason Liverpool might want to keep hold of him.
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