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Liverpool are set for yet another phase of internal transformation, with sporting director Richard Hughes expected to depart Anfield for a new role in the Saudi Pro League. The 47-year-old is reportedly preparing to reunite with his former associate Simon Francis at Al-Hilal, marking a major acquisition for the Riyadh-based powerhouse as they secure the services of a prominent European football executive.

Hughes poised for Riyadh chapter

Reports indicate that Hughes will follow Francis to Al-Hilal. Although he remains under contract with the Premier League club until June 2027, a move to the Middle East now appears imminent after sustained interest from the Saudi side. Al-Hilal are said to be ready with a highly attractive financial package to lure the executive away from Merseyside, despite his relatively short stint at Liverpool.

Sources suggest that Al-Hilal have been operating with the expectation that Hughes would eventually join their expanding project in Riyadh. The sporting director was identified as a top target earlier this year, and while no formal deal has yet been signed, preparations for his exit are well underway. This development means the current summer transfer window could serve as Hughes’ final contribution at Anfield, allowing Fenway Sports Group (FSG) to oversee a smooth transition as they begin their search for his successor to lead Liverpool’s football operations.

Backing the Iraola era

Despite growing speculation, Hughes remains fully engaged with his responsibilities at Liverpool for now. He continues to head the Reds’ summer recruitment plans, aimed at supporting new head coach Andoni Iraola. The former Bournemouth manager was personally chosen by Hughes, who had previously collaborated with him at the Vitality Stadium and views Iraola’s tactical approach as ideal for the team’s next chapter following Arne Slot’s departure.

Iraola faces a challenging assignment at Anfield after a campaign in which Liverpool appeared both mentally and physically fatigued for much of the 2025-26 season. Hughes’ duty is to ensure the new coach has the right resources to succeed, overseeing a recruitment strategy focused on restoring the dynamic intensity that defined Liverpool’s recent triumphs. This summer window is expected to be Hughes’ final major act for the Premier League giants before he hands over control to his eventual replacement.

The Al-Hilal masterplan

Al-Hilal are aiming to replicate the partnership that proved effective during Hughes and Francis’ time on England’s south coast. The two were teammates at Bournemouth before both transitioned into senior management roles. Francis, who is already directing Al-Hilal’s transfer operations, is reportedly preparing for Hughes’ arrival to solidify the club’s management framework.

The Saudi club, under the guidance of former Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi, boasts a glittering lineup featuring Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly. Now managed by the Kingdom Holding Company following a 70 per cent stake acquisition from the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Al-Hilal are actively recruiting top European executives to match their on-field ambitions. With the club valued at approximately £276 million (around $373 million), Hughes is set to join an organisation of significant scale and ambition.

Legacy and change at Anfield

Although Hughes’ time at Liverpool has been relatively short, it has been marked by pivotal decisions. Working closely with Michael Edwards, he played a key role in appointing Arne Slot and oversaw a £449 million spending spree during the 2025 summer transfer period. However, with the club entering another leadership reshuffle following Slot’s departure, FSG are preparing for an inevitable transition.

Given the contractual circumstances, this summer window represents the natural conclusion of Hughes’ tenure. By staying through the transfer period, he ensures continuity for Iraola before moving to the Saudi Pro League. For Liverpool, the focus will soon shift to identifying a new sporting director capable of sustaining the rebuilding process for a squad that underperformed in both domestic and European competitions last season.