Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director, is not expected to extend his contract beyond its expiry date next June, with the club set to lose a key figure from its football operations structure.
BBC Sport understands Hughes is likely to join Al Hilal, the Saudi Arabian club, where he would reunite with Simon Francis — his former colleague at Bournemouth. Al Hilal and Francis are already working on the assumption that Hughes will arrive at the club.
A Bournemouth connection
Francis stepped into Hughes' role as Bournemouth's technical director when Hughes was appointed by Fenway Sports Group — Liverpool's owners — in 2024. Francis has since departed the Cherries at the end of the season and now leads Al Hilal's transfer activity.
The relationship between Hughes and current Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola also traces back to Bournemouth. Hughes, while serving as technical director at the Cherries, recommended Iraola for the head coach position in 2023. Iraola has since replaced Arne Slot at Anfield, with this season marking his first in charge of the Reds.
Hughes himself oversaw Slot's appointment as Liverpool head coach in 2024 following the exit of Jurgen Klopp. Slot won the Premier League in his debut campaign but was dismissed at the end of last season after a disappointing follow-up.
Summer business at Anfield
For now, Hughes and Liverpool remain focused on the current transfer window. The club have brought in French defender Jeremy Jacquet — whose signing was secured in January — and Spanish winger Victor Munoz this summer. Midfielder Harvey Elliott is also set to return after his loan spell at Aston Villa came to an end.
Liverpool continue to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, though their pursuit of Ivory Coast midfielder Yan Diomande appears set to end in disappointment — the player is believed to prefer a move to PSG.
Iraola's backroom staff taking shape
Liverpool this week confirmed deals for Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper to join Iraola's coaching staff at Anfield. Pablo de la Torre has also been appointed as an assistant coach — marking the fourth club where he has worked alongside Iraola. Tom Webber, who spent a decade in performance analysis at Bournemouth under Iraola, will join as first-team tactical coach.
