FSG's stance on Richard Hughes exit and Liverpool transfer plans confirmed
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesRichard HughesRichard Hughes is expected to leave Liverpool soon, with the club's sporting director set for a move to Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of the current transfer windowLiverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG's CEO of football Michael Edwards(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)FSG is not worried about Richard Hughes’ expected departure disrupting Liverpool’s transfer plans this summer, despite the clear need for new additions.Hughes looks set to leave Anfield, just two years on from being appointed as the Reds’ sporting director. The 47-year-old joined Liverpool from Bournemouth, and played a big role in the appointment of Arne Slot in 2024, before being reunited with Andoni Iraola this summer.The Scot has overseen the club’s transfer business over the past few windows, having agreed record-breaking deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak last summer, and securing the signings of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz this year.The current window looks set to be his last with Liverpool though, with The Athletic reporting last week that Hughes is being lined up for a move to Saudi Arabia.Hughes is expected to join former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, although he is yet to sign any sort of deal.Hughes is under contract at Liverpool until 2027, although he looks set to leave the club following the conclusion of this summer’s transfer window, with his immediate priority being the Reds’ business and supporting Iraola following his arrival at Anfield.Richard Hughes is expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal soon(Image: Getty Images)According to a new report from The Athletic, senior figures inside Anfield have insisted that it is business as usual for the moment, with Hughes still full focused on the job in hand with the Reds.
He is said to retain the owners’ trust as continues working on adding to Iraola’s squad.Liverpool is in need of some fresh blood this summer following what was a disappointing 2025/26 season, which ultimately saw Slot fired as head coach.Senior players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have already departed, while Curtis Jones is being heavily linked with a move away. Meanwhile, just one new signing has been made so far in Munoz.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.A replacement for Salah is the current priority, with Yan Diomande having been the primary target for much of the summer before he indicated he would rather join Paris Saint-Germain if he is to leave RB Leipzig.Liverpool will therefore have to look at alternative options, with Bradley Barcola the most prominent name linked, while Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, FC Koln’s Said El Mala, and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are also said to have been shortlisted.There has been an acceptance from the club though that it may have to wait to get most of its business done this summer, with the World Cup taking center stage and Iraola needing to assess his squad.Players have already begun reporting back to the AXA Training Centre this week, with more arriving soon as the Reds’ pre-season gets underway on July 14.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCRichard HughesTransfersFSG