Liverpool target to leave club at end of season as Reds plan for life after Jurgen Klopp

Posted Wednesday, March 06, 2024 by Express.co.uk

Liverpool are laying the foundations for success beyond the departure of Jurgen Klopp this summer.

Liverpool target to leave club at end of season as Reds plan for life after Jurgen Klopp
Jorg Schmadtke left Liverpool in January (Image: Getty)

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of technical director Richard Hughes, with Bournemouth announcing that the sought-after transfer chief is set to leave the club at the end of the season. The Reds are one of several clubs to register an interest in the Scotland international, with European outfits also in the race.

Several big changes are expected at Anfield this summer, with Jurgen Klopp leaving the club after ‘running out of energy’ in the position and a new sporting director set to be appointed.

Jorg Schmadtke departed the Merseyside outfit in January and replacing the German as soon as possible has become a priority for the Reds. Several options, including former chief Michael Edwards, are being assessed. And it has been reported that any formal interview process in their managerial hunt won't get underway until a new sporting director is in place.

Bournemouth’s Hughes is also among the candidates to slot into the role following his impressive recruitment at the Vitality Stadium. Though the Reds are not alone in their admiration of the former defender, with Newcastle and Roma among a host of clubs also keen to acquire the services of the 44-year-old.

Liverpool target to leave club at end of season as Reds plan for life after Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool are preparing for life without Jurgen Klopp (Image: Getty)

Hughes has now offered his suitors encouragement ahead of the summer, with the ex-Scotland international leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season. The Cherries announced on Tuesday: “We can confirm that Richard Hughes will depart his position as first-team technical director at the end of the 2023/24 season following an incredibly successful association with the club.

“Over two playing spells with the Cherries, Hughes spent six years in AFC Bournemouth colours, making 185 appearances. The former midfielder joined the club’s recruitment setup following retirement in the summer of 2014, becoming first-team technical director in 2016.”

Hughes has gained a reputation as being one of the shrewdest transfer specialists in the Premier League over the past few campaigns, signing several top talents for minimal fees who have since gone on to thrive under the management of Andoni Iraola. As such, his decision to leave Bournemouth will not have gone unnoticed.

Speaking on his decision to depart, Hughes said: “Working for AFC Bournemouth has always been a source of great joy and pride for me. Initially representing the club as a player and then subsequently in a football leadership role, I count every moment I’ve spent here as a blessing. As technical director, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated individuals the game can offer. It’s been ten challenging, enjoyable and rewarding years in this post. The journey we have been on, as a club, is nothing short of remarkable. Where we are currently, on and off the pitch, assures me the future is bright.