Al Hilal Targets Liverpool’s Richard Hughes for Sporting Director Role
Al Hilal have identified Richard Hughes as a leading candidate for a sporting director role. The Saudi Pro League club have intensified their interest in the 46-year-old Liverpool official.
Hughes’ role and recent record at Liverpool
Hughes was appointed Liverpool sporting director by Fenway Sports Group in March 2024. His initial deal runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.
He was credited with contributing to Liverpool’s Premier League title success. He worked closely with FSG’s Michael Edwards in the search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Key appointments and deals overseen
Hughes helped install Arne Slot as manager in the summer of 2024. He also oversaw a record transfer spend of £449 million in the 2025 summer window.
- Alexander Isak
- Hugo Ekitike
- Florian Wirtz
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Milos Kerkez
Al Hilal’s pursuit and club background
Reports in January linked Hughes to Al Hilal, and interest has resurfaced. Al Hilal are one of four Saudi Pro League clubs owned by the Public Investment Fund.
The club have signed high-profile players recently. That group includes Karim Benzema, added in January.
Previous dealings with Liverpool
Al Hilal negotiated directly with Hughes last summer to sign Darwin Nunez. The fee was reported at €53 million plus add-ons.
The Saudi club also submitted a bid for Mohamed Salah in the summer of 2024. Liverpool rejected that approach.
Competitive and managerial context
Al Hilal are managed by Simone Inzaghi. They have won the Pro League four times in the last six seasons.
They sit second in the table, three points behind Al Nassr. The club could offer a lucrative contract to attract Hughes this summer.
Implications for Liverpool and Hughes
This season has proved difficult for Liverpool. The club failed to defend their Premier League crown and trail Galatasaray 1-0 from the first Champions League leg in Istanbul.
Hughes remains highly regarded by FSG. His departure would therefore be significant for the club’s hierarchy and structure.
Internal work and staff relations
Hughes reorganised departments at Liverpool’s Kirkby training complex. He maintained a close working relationship with Arne Slot, whose office sits nearby.
He also handled high-profile contract situations. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk agreed short-term extensions, while Trent Alexander-Arnold left for Real Madrid.
Reputation and longer-term view
Hughes earned praise for his calm leadership after the tragic death of striker Diogo Jota last July. Some big-money signings have yet to meet expectations.
Club leaders said they regard those transfers as long-term investments aligned with a data-led approach. Filmogaz.com understands Al Hilal targets Richard Hughes as they seek to strengthen their sporting operations.
