Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes has left the club for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, and two more members of staff have followed him out of Anfield. The moves come as the Reds look to build on their first league victory under Andoni Iraola.
Hughes and staff depart for Al-Hilal
Mark Burchill and Craig McKee, who arrived at Liverpool with Hughes in the summer of 2024, have also left for the Saudi-based club. The duo had worked alongside chief scout Barry Hunter in the recruitment department, overseeing the club's transfer business during the 2025 and 2026 transfer windows.
At Al-Hilal, Burchill will serve as director of recruitment, while McKee will serve as the club's director of scouting. Official confirmation of Hughes' move came a day after it was made public that he would be stepping down from his role at Anfield, after he joined from Bournemouth two seasons ago.
Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon is overseeing the search for a new sporting director. In a statement on their official website on Sunday evening, Al-Hilal said: "The appointment of Hughes came as part of Al-Hilal's efforts to strengthen its football system and develop its sporting structure with specialised expertise."
"This will contribute to raising the quality of technical work, developing recruitment and scouting processes, and enhancing integration across all aspects related to the football sector."
Ndukwe loan raises early concerns
Liverpool may have some early concerns over Ifeanyi Ndukwe's loan spell at Levante, with the young defender yet to make an appearance. The 18-year-old made a switch to La Liga in the summer transfer window in an attempt to gain some experience, as well as the opportunity to become eligible for a work permit.
The centre-back impressed during Liverpool's pre-season, starting every game. For all three matches of his loan so far, Ndukwe has remained on the bench, with Adrian Dela and Aissa Mandi preferred.
Ndukwe's loan was essentially forced upon the Reds, as the club were unable to secure a work permit for the defender due to his lack of top-flight experience. Work permits are granted through a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE), which means the player must earn enough points to play in certain competitions.
Ndukwe will become eligible for a GBE once he starts one match in La Liga. Liverpool also have a potential break clause in the loan deal, meaning he could return to the club in January, should he earn the required amount of points. However, the early signs are that game time for the starlet could be hard to come by. Simply, if he fails to get the minutes required then the loan will have been somewhat of a pointless endeavour for player and club.
