Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes linked with Al Hilal move

Richard Hughes is reported to be in advanced talks with Al Hilal to become their sporting director. The Saudi Pro League club would allow Hughes to remain involved with Liverpool throughout the summer transfer window before moving to Saudi Arabia. Hughes arrived at Liverpool from AFC Bournemouth in 2024, bringing a reputation for calm judgement and strong recruitment links with Michael Edwards. His appointment coincided with Liverpool’s shift after Arne Slot’s departure and Andoni Iraola’s arrival, marking the start of a summer squad reconstruction. Al Hilal, 21-time Saudi Pro League champions, missed the 2025-26 title by two points and are now seeking greater European‑level recruitment expertise. Under coach Simone Inzaghi, the club’s roster already includes Kalidou Koulibaly, Darwin Nunez, Ruben Neves, Theo Hernandez, Sergej Milinkovic‑Savic and Karim Benzema, reflecting an ambition to compete regularly in the AFC Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. Losing Hughes would create a strategic vacancy for Liverpool as the club navigates Premier League planning and the upcoming transfer window. The move illustrates Saudi football’s growing focus on acquiring not only players but also the architects of modern recruitment.