Saudi side Al-Hilal 'identify Richard Hughes' as Liverpool could face second contract dilemma
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballRichard HughesRichard Hughes was appointed as Liverpool sporting director in the summer of 2024 and played a key role in the hiring of Arne Slot as managerAl-Hilal have identified Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes as a prime candidate to take up the same role at the Saudi Pro League club.Hughes, who will have one year left on his Reds contract at the end of the current season, could face a tough decision should Al-Hilal, who bought Darwin Nunez from Liverpool last summer, follow up their interest in the former Scotland international midfielder.As reported by The Athletic, Al-Hilal would be able to offer Hughes a lucrative deal to join the club, who are one of the four Saudi top-flight sides run by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF). All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageThe duo oversaw a Premier League title in their first season at Anfield, but the struggles of the current campaign have led to speculation over the future of both men.Al-Hilal are said to be ready to offer Hughes a contract this summer, leaving the Reds hierarchy with decisions to make over both their sporting director and head coach, with Slot's deal also running out next summer.Speaking about his relationship with Slot last month, Hughes said: "Fundamentally, there's the understanding for both parties and everyone at wide, that everything involving matchday, team selection, tactics, that's always the manager or head coach.
Naturally in a conversation I will come up with an opinion and not just react to Arne's, but always waiting for the right time to share these things is critical."You have to have an opinion - it was an opinion that got Arne into the position he is in, so you can't shy away from that. But it's more important that we had synergy right from the first moment.
Understanding who he is as a football manager, how he wants to work, trying your best and it's not always possible to put them in the best possible position to have all the tools they require, and that's what I feel my job is then."Liverpool FC Bringback collectionThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC and adidas have unveiled a retro Bringback collection inspired by the club's 1995/96 away kit.Choose Liverpool Echo as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCRichard Hughes