Former Scotland midfielder Richard Hughes has accepted the prestigious role of sporting director at Liverpool, marking a significant career shift for the 44-year-old. Hughes, who recently announced his departure as first-team technical director at AFC Bournemouth, is set to commence his duties at Anfield on June 1.
This appointment comes as a result of the strong professional and personal relationship between Hughes and Michael Edwards, who now serves as the chief executive of football at Fenway Sports Group. Having collaborated during Hughes’ playing days at Portsmouth over two decades ago, the duo shares a long history of working together.
Born in Glasgow and earning five caps for Scotland in the mid-noughties, Hughes is entrusted with the crucial task of overseeing the recruitment of the next Liverpool manager. With Jurgen Klopp’s impending departure at the end of the season, speculations point towards Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso as a leading contender, although Bayern Munich is also reportedly interested in his services.
Expressing his excitement about the opportunity, Hughes stated, “I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity. Liverpool FC is a unique club and I’m grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.”
Given his extensive experience in football, including his playing career in England with Portsmouth and Bournemouth, as well as his stint in Bournemouth’s recruitment team before becoming their technical director, Hughes brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
With a keen eye on the future, Hughes aims to solidify Liverpool’s standing by making strategic decisions that enhance the team’s prospects of success on the field, resonating with the club’s tradition of excellence over the years. His commitment to building on Liverpool’s rich history while preparing the team for future triumphs signals a new era under his guidance.