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Richard Hughes to Saudi? Sporting director set to leave role at Liverpool

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Richard Hughes will reportedly leave Liverpool to join Al Hilal, according to claims emerging in Saudi Arabia.

The Scotsman took over the Reds’ sporting director position in 2024, and has come in for plenty of criticism in the two years since.

And as per Saudi based journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan, Hughes‘ reign at Liverpool will end in the coming months, as he prepares for a new role in the Saudi Pro League.

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Arne Slot walks out ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Gaspafotos/MB Media).
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Photo Credit: Getty Images/Gaspafotos/MB Media/PAUL ELLIS/AFP

Hughes to leave Liverpool?

It was not too long ago that Hughes was being lauded as a genius for masterminding what looked like the best summer transfer window in Liverpool history.

However, things have not clicked at all this season, and Al-Ajlan claims the former Scotland international is now set to depart.

“Our sources… Al Hilal reaches an agreement with the Scottish “Richard Hughes” to take on the role of sporting director for Al-Hilal Club,” he posted on X on Monday evening.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes pictured holding the Premier League title.
Credit: Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

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“And the terms have been agreed upon between both parties, with only the contract signing remaining.”

“In the event of signing, Richard Hughes’ assistant team will begin working immediately, with him starting his duties next summer.”

The story will need verifying from sources closer to Liverpool before it can be taken completely seriously, but this is a big claim which would really shake things up behind the scenes at Anfield ahead of what promises to be another big summer.