Richard Hughes confirmed as Al-Hilal sporting director after Liverpool departure

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Guardian or go back to LFC Live.

Richard Hughes has been appointed sporting director ⁠of Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club said on ⁠Sunday, following ⁠his ​departure from Liverpool.Hughes, 47, joined Liverpool in 2024 from Bournemouth. ⁠He appointed Arne Slot as Jürgen Klopp’s successor as manager, ⁠a decision that paid immediate dividends ​as the Reds ‌claimed the ‌Premier League title in 2024-25. Slot ‌was sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola in June.“The appointment of Hughes came as part of Al-Hilal’s efforts to strengthen its football system ‌and develop its sporting structure with specialised expertise,” the Saudi Pro League leaders ​said in a statement.skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionThe appointment highlights Al-Hilal’s drive to tap into English football, with Hughes the latest ⁠former Premier League figure to join ​the ​Riyadh-based club.

Hughes follows players Gabriel ​Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and ​Ollie Watkins, ‌who joined ​the ​Saudi club this year from Arsenal, West Ham United and Aston Villa, respectively in the summer transfer window. Al-Hilal’s manager is Simone Inzaghi, formerly of Inter.