Liverpool’s new sporting director has three immediate priorities to clear up Richard Hughes’ mess

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Liverpool will have a new sporting director very soon after seeing Richard Hughes walk away following the closure of the transfer window.Fans will be hoping the Reds can have a new man in place ahead of the January transfer window, and with news that Liverpool will prioritise an internal appointment, that should not be a problem.The merits of hiring somebody who was part of Hughes‘ staff – and helped to create what has become a bit of a mess in terms of recruitment and contracts at Liverpool – is up for debate, but whoever takes on the job of sporting director has three things to sort out immediately to steer the Reds back on the right path. How will you remember Richard Hughes’ time as Liverpool’s sporting director?

The new sporting director must avoid this and offer clarity on Van Dijk’s future as soon as possible.The 35-year-old has started the season in good form for Liverpool, and still looks like being one of the best centre-backs on the planet. If an extended stay cannot be agreed, then the new man in charge must make sure that a concrete succession plan is prepared and followed.Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation has to be resolvedAnother big contract expiring at the end of the season is Alisson Becker‘s, but, though there is a chance that the Brazilian stays, it feels much more likely that we are seeing the last of what will be eight seasons at Liverpool for him.Had things gone to plan, and Giorgi Mamardashvili had shown himself ready to take over from Alisson, it feels possible that the longtime No.

1 would have left when his contract initially ended this summer.However, having been unconvinced by Mamardashvili, Liverpool triggered a one-year extension for Alisson, which he is currently playing out.If he has a good season and stays injury free, Alisson may stay again, but if he does go, the new sporting director has to find the answer for who replaces him.Much of that might depend on Mamardashvili, but Liverpool have also signed 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans for a £30m fee, and some clarity is needed on what the plan actually is.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesThere are several options to choose from, and none can concretely be decided upon here and now, but by the winter time, Liverpool should know who will be their No. The plan has been muddled since the Georgian was signed in 2024 and then loaned out, and it would be nice to have things cleared up finally.January transfers must be plannedThe way Liverpool often work in the transfer market, it seems possible that nothing at all will be planned for January, and the Reds will instead only move in case of injuries or unexpected market opportunities.However, having already left themselves a little short by failing to complete the necessary business during the summer window, Liverpool have to get ahead of the game this time.Not signing a right-back could have a hugely detrimental impact on the season, and though they might be able to muddle through, Liverpool need to be looking at how they can solve this issue as soon as the January window opens.Liverpool should also be trying to buy a new midfielder to reinforce themselves and give the squad a lift going into the back end of the campaign.