Liverpool confirm Richard Hughes has stepped down as sporting director

Anyone searching live soccer on TV this weekend now has a boardroom story sitting over Anfield: Liverpool have confirmed that sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down, with reporting across BBC Sport, The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano pointing to a move to Saudi club Al Hilal.

The club statement was plain. Liverpool FC can confirm Richard Hughes has stepped down as sporting director. Hughes departs with the best wishes of everyone at LFC having informed the club’s ownership of his desire to seek a fresh challenge. Hughes himself said it had been a source of great pride to serve the club and that he would always follow and support the club with great affection.

Hughes arrived from Bournemouth in June 2024. In that window of change he was part of the structure that appointed Arne Slot after Jurgen Klopp, then later worked with Andoni Iraola after Slot’s departure. Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon thanked him for leading football operations and recruitment. FSG will lead the search for a successor.

Why this lands on a live-soccer weekend

This is not a match report and it is not a predicted lineup. It is an official change at the top of the football department while Premier League soccer games today continue under Iraola. Supporters asking where to watch Liverpool live still need the same broadcast listings as ever; the news does not alter kick-off times.

Romano and British outlets framed the Al Hilal destination as the expected next step rather than a completed registration at the Saudi club. Liverpool’s own wording stopped at the departure. Until Al Hilal or Hughes confirm the new contract in public, that destination remains reported rather than rubber-stamped by both clubs.

For viewers, check your local Premier League rights holder for the next Liverpool fixture on live soccer on TV. The successor process is already under way.

Photo: Nathan Wong / Unsplash