Liverpool have started the process of finding a new sporting director after Richard Hughes decided to leave Anfield and seek a fresh challenge.
Liverpool have confirmed Richard Hughes has stepped down as Sporting Director, just days after the summer transfer window closed.
Hughes told the club's ownership that he wanted to leave Anfield and pursue a new challenge. No replacement has been named, although Liverpool said the search for their next sporting director is already under way.
His departure comes with the new season only just underway. Liverpool were in action last night, beating Ipswich Town 2-0, and Hughes had remained in post throughout the club's summer business.
As part of the statement, Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon thanked him for his work since arriving in 2024.
“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.”
Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in June 2024. It was one of the first major appointments made after Michael Edwards returned to Fenway Sports Group as CEO of Football, with Hughes taking responsibility for football operations and recruitment at Anfield.
The pair already knew each other from their time together at Portsmouth, where both had worked earlier in their careers.
There was plenty happening around the club when Hughes arrived. Jurgen Klopp had just left after almost nine years in charge and Arne Slot was beginning his first season as Liverpool manager.
Slot went on to help Liverpool went win their 20th league championship that season. With Hughes part of the football operation during Slot's first season in charge.
He stayed in the role through the following campaign as well, before another managerial change this summer brought Andoni Iraola to Anfield. Hughes was still sporting director as Liverpool worked through the transfer window and prepared for Iraola's first season.
Before moving to Merseyside, he had spent around a decade at Bournemouth and eventually became the club's technical director.
He also played for Bournemouth and Portsmouth during a professional career which included more than 300 senior appearances before moving into recruitment and football operations.
His spell at Liverpool was relatively short, but it covered a period of considerable change behind the scenes and on the touchline.
Klopp departed shortly before Hughes arrived, Slot then won the title in his first season and Iraola became the next man in charge this summer.
Liverpool now have another senior appointment to make, with the club confirming that work on finding his successor has already started.
No indication has yet been given over who is under consideration or when Liverpool expect to make the appointment.
