Richard Hughes has left his position as Liverpool’s sporting director and the club has begun the process of identifying his successor, with internal candidates understood to be under consideration.
Hughes’ departure was confirmed by Liverpool on Saturday, 5 September, after two and a half years at Anfield. He is expected to take up a similar role with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
The Scot joined Liverpool in June 2024 after a decade at Bournemouth, having been appointed by former FSG chief executive of football Michael Edwards. His tenure began with a Premier League title in his first full season, but the club endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign and are now reviewing their structure and recruitment strategy.
Liverpool sporting director search begins with internal options
Julian Ward, who previously held the sporting director’s post, is among those being considered. David Woodfine, Hughes’ assistant, and Pedro Marques, FSG’s director of football development, have also emerged as possible internal solutions.
Liverpool are not ruling out an external appointment, but the initial preference is understood to be for an executive already working within the wider FSG organisation to take on the role.
Ward served as Liverpool’s sporting director in 2022, while Woodfine has worked closely with Hughes during the current recruitment operation. Marques’ responsibilities have focused on football development across FSG’s sporting interests.
The timing of Hughes’ exit gives Liverpool an opportunity to assess their next move with the summer transfer window closed. The club must now decide whether to maintain continuity through an internal appointment or bring in a new senior figure to oversee squad planning, recruitment and the next phase of its football strategy.
