If the claims prove accurate and Hughes does leave, it would add to the recent instability in Liverpool’s sporting director position. Since Michael Edwards stepped down in 2022, both Julian Ward and Jörg Schmadtke have had short spells before Hughes’ appointment.
While Hughes has faced some criticism from sections of the fanbase, losing him so close to another summer transfer window would be far from ideal for the club’s owners. For now, attention turns to whether more credible sources will back up these initial reports.
Reports emerging from Saudi Arabia suggest that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has reached an agreement to take up a similar position with a club in the Middle East starting in the summer of 2026.
The Scot joined Liverpool FC two years ago after leaving AFC Bournemouth, overseeing nearly £450m in signings during last summer’s transfer window. He has also played a key role in securing new contracts for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch over the past year. However, fresh reports suggest the 46-year-old may not remain at Anfield for much longer.
According to Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan, Al-Hilal have reached an agreement with Hughes to become their new sporting director. The terms are said to be settled, with only the contract left to be signed. It’s also claimed he could begin working with the Riyadh-based club soon, ahead of officially starting the role in the summer.
That said, the report should be treated with caution until confirmed by more reliable sources closer to Merseyside. Still, it’s worth noting that the same journalist previously reported that Al-Hilal were in advanced talks to recruit Hughes last year, suggesting this rumour hasn’t come entirely out of nowhere
