Richard Hughes, 47, has been appointed sporting director of Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal as of September 6, 2026, shortly after leaving his role at Liverpool [1, 2, 3]. Hughes joined Liverpool in 2024 from Bournemouth and quickly became influential in the club's management structure [1, 2, 3].
During his time at Liverpool, Hughes played a key role in appointing Arne Slot as Jürgen Klopp’s successor. Slot led Liverpool to the 2024-25 Premier League title before being sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola in June 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Hughes' departure follows this managerial reshuffle.
Al-Hilal announced that Hughes’ hiring is part of their plans to "strengthen its football system and develop its sporting structure with specialised expertise," signaling ambitions to build on their football operations [3]. Hughes is the latest former Premier League figure to join Al-Hilal, which signed English talents Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville, and Ollie Watkins from Arsenal, West Ham, and Aston Villa respectively during the summer of 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The club is managed by Simone Inzaghi, formerly of Inter Milan [3]. Two Liverpool recruitment staff who joined the Reds alongside Hughes from Bournemouth, Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, are also expected to follow him to Al-Hilal [3].
