Since Michael Edwards left as sporting director four years ago, Liverpool have struggled to find stability in one of the club's most important roles. Edwards, who played a key role in transforming Liverpool from pretenders to champions under Jurgen Klopp, publicly signed off as sporting director in May 2022, just hours before the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
Edwards' legacy and return
Edwards was instrumental in building the squad that won the Premier League and Champions League under Klopp. After leaving, he returned two years later as Fenway Sports Group's CEO of football. However, the sporting director position has been problematic since his departure.
Julian Ward, Edwards' successor, had been earmarked for the role and was appointed assistant sporting director in 2020. But within months, he handed in his notice, staying only to secure Alexis Mac Allister's signing in June 2023 before leaving.
Interim appointments and challenges
Jorg Schmadtke was brought in on an interim basis for the summer 2023 transfer window, tasked with restructuring the midfield. Schmadtke, who worked mainly from Ibiza, acted as a buffer between the outside world and Klopp's office. He later admitted to Die Zeit: "Unlike the clubs in Germany, in Liverpool I was responsible for the transfers, but I mainly worked with Jurgen. I stopped everyone from knocking on his door. I no longer wanted to be part of the change process that began with the new coach."
Schmadtke left shortly after Klopp announced his end-of-season exit in January 2024. The search for a sporting director was overshadowed by the shock of Klopp's departure.
Richard Hughes' tenure and expected exit
In spring 2024, Richard Hughes arrived from Bournemouth alongside Edwards' return, tasked with a three-year deal. However, Hughes is now expected to leave for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, linking up with former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis. Liverpool insist Hughes is working fully for the current transfer window, and he recently gave new signing Jeremy Jacquet a tour of the AXA Training Centre.
Hughes was integral to appointing head coach Andoni Iraola last month. Despite denials that he is planning for Saudi Arabia, there is a growing acceptance that Hughes won't stay beyond his 2027 deal. Recruitment sources believe he will leave in September when the European transfer window closes.
Future implications
If Hughes departs, Liverpool will again need to find a sporting director. The club must work behind the scenes to identify a successor while Hughes focuses on strengthening the squad in a critical transfer window for the new era under Iraola.
