Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has no agreement to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, despite the club's determined pursuit, according to sources close to the executive. TEAMtalk reports that claims of an imminent move for Hughes, who has just over a year remaining on his contract at Anfield, are "not true," countering recent speculation that a deal was already in place.
Al-Hilal, under new ownership via the Kingdom Holding Company controlled by Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, has identified Hughes as its primary target to lead a restructuring of the club's hierarchy. The Saudi giants have reportedly already submitted formal proposals in an attempt to lure him away from Merseyside. The project is said to be ambitious, with head coach Simone Inzaghi expected to stay, but a new sporting director is a key part of the ownership's plans.
However, sources have firmly denied these fresh claims, stating that Hughes remains fully focused on his role at Liverpool. The 54-year-old's reputation has been significantly enhanced following a successful summer transfer window for the Reds, where he played a central role in high-profile acquisitions such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and the British-record signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Hughes is highly regarded within football circles for his strategic planning and multilingual skills, attributes that have made him an attractive candidate for clubs with global ambitions. His prior work as technical director at AFC Bournemouth, where he built a strong recruitment network, laid the foundation for his current standing as one of the Premier League's most respected operators.
For Liverpool, retaining Hughes is seen as crucial for continuity, especially following the recent managerial appointment of Ruben Amorim. His departure would create a significant void in the club's football operations during a period of ongoing squad development. The situation underscores the increasing financial power and allure of the Saudi Pro League, which continues to target high-profile executives alongside players.
While Al-Hilal's interest is described as persistent and unwavering, with sources suggesting they are "unwilling to take no for an answer," there is currently no indication that Hughes is prepared to leave his post. The coming months will likely determine whether the Saudi club's sustained efforts can eventually persuade him to reconsider his commitment to Liverpool.
