The news that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to leave the club next summer, reportedly to join Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, has put a spotlight on a relatively modern but increasingly influential role in football. For many fans, the sporting director works in the shadows, operating above the head coach and dealing with transfers, contracts and long-term strategy. But what exactly does a sporting director do, and why does the role matter for the success of a club?
A sporting director is the executive responsible for overseeing a club's football operations. This includes managing the transfer windows—identifying targets, negotiating deals and building the squad—as well as appointing and sometimes dismissing head coaches. At Liverpool, Richard Hughes was hired by the club’s owner, Fenway Sports Group, in 2024. He oversaw the appointment of Arne Slot as head coach after Jurgen Klopp’s departure and, after Slot was sacked, the appointment of Andoni Iraola. Hughes also manages the current transfer window: this summer Liverpool have signed French defender Jeremy Jacquet and Spanish winger Victor Munoz, with midfielder Harvey Elliott returning from a loan spell. The sporting director often works closely with a network of contacts; for example, Hughes previously worked with Iraola at Bournemouth and recommended his appointment there.
“An explainer on the sporting director role in football, using the example of Liverpool's Richard Hughes.”
The role of sporting director emerged as a response to the growing complexity of modern football. In the past, managers often handled both coaching and recruitment, but as clubs expanded their scouting networks and transfer fees soared, a dedicated executive became necessary. The sporting director provides continuity: when a head coach leaves, the sporting director remains to ensure the club’s long-term vision stays on track. At Liverpool, Hughes’s contract expires in June 2027, and he is not expected to sign a new deal. He is likely to link up with former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis at Al Hilal, where Francis now leads transfer activity. Such moves are common as sporting directors often follow or precede each other between clubs.
For UK readers, the sporting director is now a familiar figure at most Premier League and Football League clubs. The role directly affects the players that fans see on the pitch. For example, at Arsenal, recent speculation about captain Martin Odegaard’s future has been dismissed by sources close to the player, who say he is “very happy” at the club and that his agent has been with him in the United States during the World Cup. The stability provided by a sporting director can help manage such transfer stories and ensure the squad is built for sustained success. Similarly, the summer transfer window (summer 2026) sees dozens of deals across Europe’s top five leagues, each coordinated by sporting directors working behind the scenes.
Q: What is the difference between a sporting director and a manager? A manager (or head coach) focuses on training, tactics and matchday performance. A sporting director handles the broader football strategy, including transfers, contracts and hiring the coach. At Liverpool, Hughes appointed Slot and later Iraola, while Slot and Iraola managed the team on the pitch.
Q: How do sporting directors find and sign players? They rely on scouting networks, data analysis and personal contacts. For example, Hughes worked with Iraola at Bournemouth and later brought him to Liverpool. This summer, Liverpool are linked with attackers like Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, but are set to miss out on Ivory Coast star Yan Diomande, who prefers a move to PSG.
Q: Why might a sporting director leave a club? Contracts expire or better opportunities arise. Hughes is expected to join Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, reuniting with Simon Francis. Such moves are often driven by personal relationships and the chance to build a new project.
What happens next? Hughes and Liverpool are currently focused on the current transfer window and the forthcoming season under Iraola. After Hughes leaves next summer, Liverpool will need to find a new sporting director to maintain their long-term planning. Meanwhile, other clubs like Arsenal continue to assess their squad—Odegaard is expected to return for pre-season on 1 August after Norway’s World Cup campaign. The role of the sporting director will only grow as the football industry becomes more data-driven and global.