Richard Hughes, mastermind of Liverpool's £700m transfer rebuild, QUITS to move to Saudi Arabia

Big-spending Richard Hughes has officially left his post as Liverpool sporting director. 

The Scottish transfer chief informed the club of his desire to seek a new challenge earlier this year but agreed to stay in situ until the end of this summer window. 

Hughes and Liverpool also agreed that he would work for only the Premier League club and not simultaneously conduct business for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, where he is expected to join. 

The Reds hierarchy are satisfied Hughes honoured this agreement. 

Hughes spent more than £700million at Anfield on big-money players like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola. 

He was also the man that identified Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola as head coach after Jurgen Klopp's exits. 

He joined the club from Bournemouth in June 2024. 

But he leaves with some fans frustrated at his business which has left Liverpool exposed in certain positions. 

Hughes said of his departure: 'First and foremost, I would like to reiterate what I said upon my arrival – it has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution. That is something I will always be grateful for.

'My appreciation extends to ownership for their support and leadership, to club staff at all levels who give so much to make Liverpool FC what it is, to the players who make such an enormous contribution and to the fans who support the team in great numbers whenever and wherever games take place.

'I'll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond.'

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon added: 'Richard joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department and overseeing recruitment while also providing valuable support to our coaching staff.

'The results we achieved in these areas during this period are testament to this contribution. Nevertheless, we respect Richard's life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture.'

The news comes a day after Liverpool claimed their first win of the season by defeating Ipswich Town 2-0. 

Isak, who cost the club an initial £125million in September 2025, scored a first-half double against the Premier League new boys. 

Bradley Barcola, signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £123m, made his debut on Friday night.