Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is the leading contender to take over at Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Hughes has been linked with an exit from Anfield after failing to fully convince during his two years with the Reds.
Speaking to his YouTube channel on Wednesday evening, journalist Romano confirmed that Al Hilal are keen on taking Hughes from Liverpool, but suggested that the decision will ultimately be up to the Scotsman himself.
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Hughes top of Al Hilal’s list
Hughes’ contract at Liverpool currently runs until 2027, and it is unlikely that the Reds would be planning to remove him of their own accord this summer.
As Romano says, if an exit does arrive, it will have been because of pressure from another club – in this case Al Hilal – leading to Hughes deciding that he fancies a change.
“I can confirm that it’s true that Richard Hughes is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, especially from Al Hilal,” said the transfer expert.
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“Richard Hughes is now the clear favourite to become the director at Al Hilal. The point is the timing, when this is going to happen, because Richard Hughes remains absolutely and totally committed to the Liverpool project. He is very happy at Liverpool but the interest from Saudi is true.
“They are trying to find a solution for Richard Hughes for now and in the future. Let’s see what’s going to happen, if they’re going to be able to find a way to appoint Richard Hughes. But I can confirm the interest. Let’s see what Hughes decides to do.”
Analysis: Hughes likely to give Liverpool one more year
As the Saudi sides have shown in their, so far fruitless, pursuit of Mohamed Salah, they are unafraid of waiting for what they perceive to be a long-term target.
If Al Hilal believe Hughes is the right man to take them forward, then they will likely wait as long as they need to.
Given that the jury is still out on him at Liverpool, certainly among the fanbase, it feels probable that Hughes will want to see things through at Anfield under his good friend Michael Edwards.
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With these links starting to ramp up, it would be a surprise if the former Portsmouth midfielder stays with the Reds beyond 2027, but there is little reason to believe he will choose to go beforehand, either.
As a result, while the Saudis are set to retain their interest for as long is necessary, it would be a surprise if Hughes were to leave Liverpool this summer.
Instead, we’re likely to see one last attempt to leave a lasting legacy at Anfield with another big summer window first. From there, though, Hughes’ future appears to lie away from Merseyside.
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