Liverpool Football Club has officially confirmed the departure of Richard Hughes from his position as sporting director. Hughes joined the club from Bournemouth in 2024 and was responsible for key decisions regarding player recruitment during a period of significant change.
The announcement comes just days after the summer transfer window closed, leaving Liverpool with the task of deciding whether to promote from within or bring in an external candidate.
According to reports from The Athletic, former sporting director Julian Ward is being seen as a leading internal candidate. Ward is already well-acquainted with the inner workings of the Reds, having spent over ten years at the club before succeeding Michael Edwards as sporting director in 2022. He understands the player selection structure, ownership model, and the demands that come with the role.
Other potential candidates include assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG's football development director Pedro Marques. The club has not ruled out the possibility of appointing someone from outside as well.
Hughes' exit was confirmed after the transfer window's closure. According to Liverpool.com, the club's hierarchy plans to temporarily distribute his responsibilities among key figures in the sporting department. This group includes Ward, Woodfine, Marques, chief scout Barry Hunter, and head coach Andoni Iraola. The search for a new sporting director is ongoing.
