Richard Hughes' shrewdness may have only recently started to gain recognition among Liverpool fans.

However, it's not just his dealings at Anfield that are enhancing his growing reputation.

The role of a sporting director is less transparent than that of a manager - or, in Arne Slot's case, a head coach - but the basic assessment from fans and pundits is based on the transfer activity undertaken.

Thus, the swift deal to activate Jeremie Frimpong's release clause at Leverkusen was an impressive way to swiftly transition beyond the Trent Alexander-Arnold era at right-back.

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The negotiation of a fee with Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold's early release from his Merseyside terms was quite the coup, especially as Liverpool were unlikely to see him play for the club again.

However, it's the record-breaking chase and subsequent capture of £116 million ($155.8 million) sensation Florian Wirtz that has truly sent shockwaves through the fanbase this summer

Those with insider knowledge have dubbed Hughes "the best in the business" to the Liverpool ECHO earlier this summer, anticipating "an exciting summer ahead" - a forecast that's ringing true so far.

After a fervent tussle that saw rivals such as Manchester City and Bayern Munich outmanoeuvred, and a last-ditch attempt by Real Madrid rendered futile, Wirtz is finally set to sport the Liverpool red

This monumental acquisition solidifies a major move for Hughes, Slot, and the club at large, signaling the club's ambition clearly.

In addition, Milos Kerkez will make his way to Liverpool from Bournemouth after a £45 million ($60 million) agreement, with more signings anticipated on the horizon.

But it's not just the transfers Hughes has directly brokered that demonstrate his knack for spotting value and quality

A glance at his former club reveals an executive with a keen eye for players on the brink of a meteoric rise.

Dean Huijsen is one such example, with Liverpool themselves showing interest in the center-back just a year after his move from Juventus to Bournemouth for roughly $20 million.

The then-teenager quickly became a full Spain international during his debut season in the Premier League and now plies his trade at Real Madrid, who activated his £50 million ($67.2 million) release clause, fending off stiff competition from the Reds and Chelsea, among others.

Kerkez's current valuation of $60 million, just two years after his £15 million $20.2 million) transfer from AZ Alkmaar to the Vitality, further illustrates Hughes' talent for identifying rising stars.

Bournemouth's defensive line-up could be further depleted, with Champions League victors Paris Saint-Germain expressing interest in Ukraine international Ilya Zabarnyi, who carries a price tag of around £50 ($67.2 million).

With Bournemouth poised to rake in approximately £140 million ($188 million) from three sales all orchestrated by Hughes during his tenure at the Vitality, Andoni Iraola - whose own south coast arrival was also facilitated by the Liverpool chief - is set to have a substantial budget to reshape the squad and build on their impressive performance last season.

Hughes' reputation at Anfield is at an all-time high as Liverpool gears up for an exhilarating summer
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