Liverpool has announced Richard Hughes as new sporting director. He will officially arrive in the summer and will play a key role in naming the club’s next manager.
Liverpool has made one of two major appointments that will shape the club’s future once Jürgen Klopp departs this summer. Amid the search for Klopp’s successor, Liverpool had also been on the lookout for a new sporting director.
The Reds confirmed Richard Hughes’ arrival from Bournemouth on Wednesday as the Scot takes over following Jörg Schmadtke’s departure at the end of the January transfer window. Hughes, who will officially start work in the summer, is Liverpool’s fourth sporting director in just over two years, having struggled to nail down a long-term option since Michael Edwards’ exit in 2022.
Edwards reunited with FSG last week and he drove the appointment for Hughes. The pair have known each other for over 20 years, in a professional and personal capacity, having worked together at Portsmouth.
Liverpool has made one of two major appointments that will shape the club’s future once Jürgen Klopp departs this summer. Amid the search for Klopp’s successor, Liverpool had also been on the lookout for a new sporting director.
The Reds confirmed Richard Hughes’ arrival from Bournemouth on Wednesday as the Scot takes over following Jörg Schmadtke’s departure at the end of the January transfer window. Hughes, who will officially start work in the summer, is Liverpool’s fourth sporting director in just over two years, having struggled to nail down a long-term option since Michael Edwards’ exit in 2022.
Edwards reunited with FSG last week and he drove the appointment for Hughes. The pair have known each other for over 20 years, in a professional and personal capacity, having worked together at Portsmouth.
The focus will now be on appointing Klopp’s successor, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso remaining the leading candidate to take over. Bayern Munich remains interested in the Spaniard though and will battle Liverpool for his services.
But now the first piece of the jigsaw is in place at Anfield, FSG chiefs can step up their plans to make the most appointment of their tenure. Here is how the past few weeks have panned out and what has been said, as Liverpool looks ahead to the post-Klopp era.
Life after Jürgen
FSG president Mike Gordon expressed his ‘profound appreciation’ for Klopp when he announced he would be stepping down this summer, back in January. In a statement, Gordon admitted FSG’s sadness at the German’s departure, but insisted his reasons for wanting to leave had been respected.
He then switched his focus on the future, adding: “Our priority now is two-fold. First, to ensure that the progress that has been made on the pitch this season is maintained in the final months of the campaign.
“Second, to continue the due diligence behind the scenes which will allow our football operations department to adapt to a future without Jürgen. As ever, these ambitions will be pursued in the best interests of the club and its supporters.”
Edwards makes his return
FSG and Gordon had approached Michael Edwards about returning to Anfield after Klopp announced his exit but Liverpool’s former sporting director was not convinced. He was enjoying his time away from football but an alternative proposal was put forward with a completely new position created specifically for him.
Edwards was appointed CEO of Football by FSG earlier this month, with Liverpool falling under his remit. Gordon was unsurprisingly delighted to get his man, adding: “It was clear when we reached out that a broader scope would be a key motivating factor for any potential return. In this regard, and many others, his ambitions matched ours.”
“We constantly strive for improvement in our football operation, whether that be identifying fresh opportunities externally or areas for enhancement internally, and there is no better man to lead that ongoing process.
Getting down to work
In the same FSG statement, Edwards confirmed he would oversee Liverpool’s football operations, with multiple ‘essential leadership positions needing urgent attention’, notably a new sporting director and manager.
He said: “I fully understand this role comes with great expectations and I therefore intend to intend to identify, hire, and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club’s values and ambitions.
He also confirmed FSG’s plans to acquire another club had appealed to him. Edwards added: “I was humbled by the desire and persistence shown in wanting to work with me again. It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigor and energy.”
Sporting director appointed
Liverpool confirmed Richard Hughes as its new sporting director on March 20. Edwards was key to the appointment and made no secret of his desire to get his ally in at Anfield.
Edwards told Liverpool’s official website: “He has outstanding judgement and a track record of making smart decisions which benefit the organizations he represents. It is clear to everyone that Jürgen will leave a legacy to build upon and in Richard we have the right person to make the key decisions and offer the leadership to take us forward into a bright future.
“As one very successful chapter will come to a close for Liverpool in the summer, the objective of everyone here is for another one to begin – and with Richard I am confident we have the right person in position for us to achieve this aim.”
Hughes excited for the future
The ex-Premier League star admitted he couldn’t wait to get started as his arrival was confirmed. He said: “I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity. Liverpool FC is a unique club and I’m grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.
