Richard Hughes will become Liverpool sporting director from the beginning of June after his spell with AFC Bournemouth.
AFC Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley has lauded incoming Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes – claiming they ‘will still work together’ despite his Merseyside switch.
The former Portsmouth and Cherries midfielder was named as Michael Edwards’ first appointment after being named CEO of Football for Reds owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Hughes stepped down from his role as technical director at the Vitality Stadium at the end of 2023 and will take up his role at Anfield in June.
The 44-year-old helped restructure Bournemouth and guide them to Premier League regulars, as well as making astute signings on the pitch and in the dugout. It has been claimed that Hughes and Edwards struck a friendship when the pair were together at Fratton Park.
Hughes will be in charge of the sporting operations for the Reds, replacing Jorg Schmadtke, who departed following confirmation of Jurgen Klopp’s impending exit. The 44-year-old, accompanied by Michael Edwards, will be tasked with maintaining their battle at the top end of the Premier League and a first season back in the Champions League.
“It’s a compliment to the club, that we have those kind of individuals working for the club that can move on to different situations and maybe do a little better financially at a club like Liverpool than they can at Bournemouth, because we’re a small club,” Foley told Sky Sports.
“Richard has been a great asset and a great ally. I know we’ll still work together when he’s at Liverpool.
“He’s got his job to do and we have our job to do, but he will always be a friend to the club. I applaud him, he’s a great man.”
