Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Richard Hughes as the club’s new sporting director.
The ex-Bournemouth chief will begin his role at Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 season. He will lead the search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor, who will leave the club this summer.
Hughes will replace Jorg Schmadtke, who assumed the role temporarily.
His arrival is believed to be heavily influenced by the recent appointment of Michael Edwards as Liverpool’s Chief Executive Officer of Football.
Hughes and Edwards share a long history, having collaborated previously at Portsmouth. Hughes’ successful stint as technical director at Bournemouth also made him a compelling choice for the Reds.
The 44-year-old will immediately be tasked with identifying and appointing a successor to Klopp. Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is considered the front-runner for the role.
Liverpool have also registered an interest in Sporting CP tactician Ruben Amorim and Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi.
Hughes will also spearhead efforts to secure the futures of key players.
Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who have been pivotal figures in Liverpool’s recent success, have contracts expiring at the end of next season.
“I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity,” Hughes said. “Liverpool is a unique club, and I’m grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.
“It will be my job, working with Michael [Edwards] and leading the football operations team already in place, plus the wider staff at the AXA Training Centre, to make good decisions.
“It is what Liverpool have done well for a very long time, and the benefits are there for everyone to see.”
Liverpool have moved quickly to ensure the transition from Klopp’s departure is as smooth as possible, and it will be interesting to see who Edwards and Hughes select to replace him.
Klopp is focused on completing the season with a treble as his troops compete for the Premier League and Europa League titles, with the League Cup already in the bag.