Richard Hughes leaves role as Liverpool sporting director

Hughes oversaw the largest spending spree in the club’s history with the £450million spent last summer, supplemented by a further £250m in the most recent window

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, left, has stepped down. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down after just over two years in the job.

Hughes, who has long been linked with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, oversaw the largest spending spree in the club’s history with the £450million spent last summer on the likes of British record transfer Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, supplemented by a further £250m in the most recent window.

That saw the arrivals of France international Bradley Barcola, in a deal potentially rising to £123m, defender Jeremy Jacquet, Spain winger Victor Munoz and goalkeeper Lucca Brughmanns, although the latter will not join until next season.

Hughes spent just over two years in the job. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

It is believed Hughes made his decision earlier this year, following Michael Edwards’ departure as owners Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, but due to the work he had already undertaken – particularly in relation to Barcola – it was agreed he would see out the summer window.

It is also understood at no point was permission sought or offered for Hughes to work for any other club during this period and the club are entirely satisfied this agreement was honoured.