Liverpool have a new sporting director! Richard Hughes set to take up key Anfield role as part of Michael Edwards shake up

Posted Wednesday, March 20, 2024 by Goal.com

Liverpool are set to sign Richard Hughes as their new sporting director to usher in a new era at Anfield as part of Michael Edwards' shake up.

Liverpool undergoing a revamp of sporting structure
Hughes comes in to aid Edwards
Will leave Bournemouth to move to Merseyside

WHAT HAPPENED?

According to talkSPORT, the Reds could make an official announcement regarding Hughes on Wednesday. This move comes as part of a comprehensive shake-up orchestrated by Michael Edwards, the former sporting director who is set to return to the club as CEO.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Hughes, a former Scotland international, will depart from his current role as Bournemouth's sporting director to join Liverpool at the conclusion of the season. His journey in football administration began after retiring from the game, initially joining Bournemouth's recruitment team under the tutelage of Eddie Howe. Hughes's astute contributions led to his promotion to technical director during the club's tenure in the Premier League.

DID YOU KNOW?

Liverpool have been without a permanent sporting director since the departure of Julian Ward last summer. In the interim, the club enlisted the support of German football executive Jordi Schmadtke to assist Klopp during the summer transfer window, which saw notable signings including Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Meanwhile, Hughes's illustrious career in football spans both playing and administrative roles. He commenced his professional journey at Arsenal, although he never made a senior appearance for the club. Hughes later joined Bournemouth in 1998, where he spent four years before making a move to Portsmouth on the south coast.

During his tenure at Fratton Park, Hughes earned five caps for the Scotland national team and made a notable 114 appearances in the Premier League over nine years. He eventually returned to Bournemouth in 2012 before retiring from professional football two years later, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career.

WHAT NEXT?

In his new role, Hughes will play a pivotal part in shaping the future of Liverpool's squad, particularly as the club navigates the transition following the departure of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season. He will work closely with Edwards, who returns to Liverpool as the CEO of football operations at Anfield. As Liverpool prepare for a new era under the leadership of Hughes and Edwards, fans eagerly anticipate the impact of these strategic appointments in shaping the club's future trajectory on and off the field.