Richard Hughes lands Al-Hilal sporting director role days after leaving Liverpool

Richard Hughes has been appointed sporting director at Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most decorated club, only days after his departure from Liverpool was confirmed on Saturday.

Al-Hilal announced its board had “finalized the contract” with Hughes, who arrived at the club on Sunday and immediately assumed his responsibilities. The club said the appointment would “contribute to raising the quality of technical work, developing recruitment and scouting processes, and enhancing integration across all aspects related to the football sector.”

Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024, taking charge of recruitment at a pivotal moment following Jurgen Klopp’s exit after nearly nine years at Anfield. His first major act was overseeing the appointment of head coach Arne Slot, who guided the club to the Premier League title in his debut season.

However, Liverpool’s second campaign under Slot proved far more difficult. Despite spending approximately £450 million on new signings — including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz — the club finished fifth in the Premier League. Slot was dismissed at the end of the season and replaced by Andoni Iraola. Liverpool stated that Hughes wished to “seek a fresh challenge” upon his exit, which came less than two months after CEO of football Michael Edwards also departed from parent company Fenway Sports Group.

Al-Hilal represent a significant appointment for Hughes. The club holds 21 Saudi league titles and four Asian Championships, and are currently top of the Saudi Pro League after winning all five of their opening matches — three points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al Qadsiah. They have been active in the transfer market this summer, adding Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to their squad.

In April, the Saudi Public Investment Fund sold a 70% stake in Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, the firm controlled by billionaire and Saudi royal family member Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal.

Back at Anfield, Liverpool opened their season with a 2-0 win over newly promoted Ipswich Town on Friday, with Isak scoring twice. Iraola’s side next face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.