Richard Hughes joins Saudi Arabian club just days after Liverpool exit

Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal have appointed Richard Hughes as their sporting director, only days after he stepped down from the same position at Liverpool . Al-Hilal confirmed its board has "finalized the contract" with Hughes, who assumed his responsibilities after arriving on Sunday. The club explained the move would "contribute to raising the quality of technical work, developing recruitment and scouting processes, and enhancing integration across all aspects related to the football sector." Hughes joined Liverpool from Bournemouth in 2024, overseeing the appointment of head coach Arne Slot after celebrated manager Jurgen Klopp stepped down following a little under nine years in charge at Anfield. Liverpool won the Premier League title the following season, but endured a disappointing campaign last term despite spending around £450 million on new signings, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Hughes helped bring Isak and Wirtz to Liverpool (Reuters) Slot was fired at the end of last season following Liverpool’s fifth-place finish, and was replaced by Andoni Iraola. Liverpool then spent over £200 million this summer, an outlay which included landing PSG winger Bradley Barcola in the final days of the transfer window. Liverpool stated on Saturday that Hughes wished to "seek a fresh challenge." His departure occurred less than two months after Michael Edwards exited as CEO of football for Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group. Al-Hilal are Saudi Arabia’s most successful team, holding 21 league titles and four Asian Championships. They recently added Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal and England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. In April, the Saudi Public Investment Fund sold a 70% stake in Al-Hilal to Kingdom Holding Company, the firm run by billionaire businessman and Saudi royal family member Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal. Al-Hilal are currently top of the Saudi Pro League after winning all five of their matches this season. They are three points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al Qadsiah. Meanwhile, Liverpool picked up their first win of the season on Friday night when they beat newly promoted Ipswich Town 2-0 thanks to a brace from Isak. The Reds will turn their attention to the Champions League next, with Iraola’s men set to face Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night.