Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down and is set to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Hughes had only been at the club since June 2024, after moving from a similar position at Bournemouth, and his exit had been expected with his contract set to expire in June 2027.
In the summer he oversaw transfer spending of about £200m, including the signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain.
“I’ll always follow and support the club with great affection, and I wish everyone involved nothing but success for this season and beyond,” said Hughes in a statement released by Liverpool.
Hughes, 47, arrived at Anfield after the departure of long-time manager Jurgen Klopp and was instrumental in the appointment of his successor, Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to a 20th Premier League title in his first season as manager.
Hughes oversaw the £125m record signing of Alexander Isak last summer and the £116m arrival of Florian Wirtz.
But Slot was unable to match his initial success and Liverpool finished fifth last season, prompting the Dutch manager’s departure and his replacement by Andoni Iraola, whom Hughes worked with at Bournemouth.
Mike Gordon, president of the Fenway Sports Group which owns Liverpool, said: “We respect Richard’s life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture.”
Al-Hilal spent almost £180m signing Premier League players in the summer transfer window.
The 21-time Saudi champions signed Brazil winger Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal for £60m and England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in a £51m deal.
Al-Hilal, who are managed by former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi, also secured the services of Netherlands midfielder Cyrenscio Summerville from West Ham for £60m.