Richard Hughes has officially been appointed as the sporting director for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The confirmation came on Sunday, following his recent departure from Liverpool.
Hughes, 47, joined Liverpool in 2024 from Bournemouth. During his tenure at Anfield, he appointed Arne Slot as Jürgen Klopp’s successor, a move that saw the Reds secure the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season. Slot was later replaced by Andoni Iraola in June.
Al-Hilal stated that Hughes's appointment is part of their strategy to bolster their football system and enhance their sporting structure with specialised expertise. This move continues Al-Hilal's trend of recruiting from English football, with Hughes joining players Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville, and Ollie Watkins, who arrived this summer from Arsenal, West Ham United, and Aston Villa respectively.
Furthermore, Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, who joined Liverpool's recruitment department alongside Hughes two years ago from Bournemouth, are reportedly set to follow him to Al-Hilal.