Liverpool have begun the process of finding a new sporting director after Richard Hughes officially left the club and is set to take up a new role with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
According to reports, Liverpool are initially looking within their existing football structure rather than immediately pursuing an outside appointment. The search is being overseen by FSG president Mike Gordon.
Three internal names have emerged as potential candidates:
* Julian Ward – Liverpool’s former sporting director, who returned to the club in 2024 as FSG’s technical director.
* David Woodfine – Hughes’ assistant sporting director and a long-standing member of Liverpool’s recruitment structure.
* Pedro Marques – FSG’s director of football development.
Liverpool have reportedly not ruled out making an entirely new appointment, meaning an experienced sporting director from outside the club could still enter the race. However, the preference at this stage appears to be assessing the people already familiar with Liverpool’s football operations.
Hughes’ departure comes after just over two years in the position. During his time, he was heavily involved in the appointment of Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season. Hughes also played a major role in Liverpool’s recent transfer activity, including the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola.
His exit now represents another major change behind the scenes at Anfield. Liverpool have already experienced several changes in the sporting-director position since Michael Edwards’ first departure, making the next appointment particularly important for the club’s long-term recruitment strategy.
With the summer transfer window now closed, Liverpool have some time to carefully decide who should lead their sporting department moving forward.
The big question for Liverpool fans is now: should the club promote from within, or bring in a completely new sporting director?
