Report: Clarity arrives on claims Richard Hughes is leaving Liverpool to become Al-Hilal sporting director
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There has been a suggestion this week that Richard Hughes departing Anfield to become Al-Hilal’s new sporting director was all but done, though that does not appear to be the case.Saudi-based journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan said that the Saudi Pro League team had reached ‘an agreement with Richard Hughes‘ to take up the aforementioned role.However, it has now emerged that the Liverpool chief is just on a three-man shortlist. Looks like Arne Slot will be benching Rio Ngumoha vs Galatasaray… Slot said Rio would only start one game out of the next three before Spurs.
How’d you feel about that?Credit: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images No deal agreed for Richard Hughes to join Al-HilalA report from the Telegraph says that there has been no contact made by Al-Hilal to the Reds about Hughes, despite previous suggestions that ‘only the contract signing’ remained.From Liverpool’s side, there is also thought to have been no discussion over his future or any indication that he might be open to leaving.While it remains to be seen if interest in Hughes will be firmed up in the coming months, or the Saudi club look at another name on their three-man shortlist, fans should not expect their sporting director to depart just yet.However, should he indeed leave Anfield for Al-Hilal, it may help them get a deal for Mohamed Salah done at some point. Rate Mohamed Salah’s form since his return from AFCON Should Liverpool rethink selling him this summer?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Liverpool are assessing Salah’s future amid his contract expiring at the end of June 2027.The Egyptian’s form has taken a dive in 2025/26, currently sitting on nine goals and eight assists in 33 matches this term.That is by no means a terrible record for a normal Premier League winger, but going by his usually lofty standards, the Reds icon is struggling.Amid speculation about his future beyond the current campaign, it was reported in late 2025 that Al-Hilal are believed to be one of the leading candidates for Salah’s signature.A move to the MLS may be more appealing for the former Chelsea man, but if Hughes were to move to the Saudi side, perhaps that pre-existing relationship could help convince the forward to secure a transfer.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox