Liverpool confirm Richard Hughes exit as succession plan revealed in statement

Richard Hughes has stepped down from his role as Liverpool’s sporting director, the club has confirmed, with the hunt for a successor already underway.The Scot joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in June 2024, and has overseen the spending of some £670m in the transfer market.His two-year tenure was one defined by dizzying highs and ignominious lows. It was his call to appoint Arne Slot, who won the Premier League in his debut campaign, before later being forced to relieve him of his duties after a dismal title defence.Hughes is widely expected to join the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal after extricating himself from Anfield.“I would like to reiterate what I said upon my arrival – it has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution,” said Hughes, via a club statement. “That is something I will always be grateful for. I’ll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond.”Read MoreHughes leaves following the conclusion of the summer transfer window, in which Liverpool’s transfer strategy was widely criticised. The club signed Bradley Barcola for £117m after being locked in negotiations for much of the summer, while midfield frailties went unaddressed. It is not yet clear who might come in to replace Hughes, but the Liverpool statement confirmed: “The process of appointing a successor is under way and the outcome will be confirmed in due course.”Hughes’ exit comes barely a week after a consortium including Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos bought a minority stake in Liverpool, thought to be worth around 30 per cent of the club.Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool’s principal owners Fenway Sports Group, added in a statement: “Richard joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department and overseeing recruitment while also providing valuable support to our coaching staff.“The results we achieved in these areas during this period are testament to this contribution. Nevertheless, we respect Richard’s life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture.”