Liverpool have appointed Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes as their new sporting director ahead of the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have not only had to think about replacing manager Jurgen Klopp.
The German is leaving this summer but close ally Jorg Schmadtke left his position as sporting director after the January transfer window.
A replacement was needed and Michael Edwards – back involved at Liverpool after joining the Fenway Sports Group last week – has secured a deal.
Liverpool have announce that Richard Hughes will become the club’s new sporting director at the end of the season.
Hughes recently confirmed that he would be leaving Bournemouth and he will now work under Edwards at Liverpool.
Edwards and Hughes previously crossed paths at Portsmouth and the Scot will now head to Anfield ahead of the transfer window.
Derek Rae on Richard Hughes
Hughes has the backing of Edwards and that probably says it all for Liverpool fans.
Yet if Reds supporters want another view on Rae, then commentator Derek Rae has offered it.
Rae previously worked alongside Hughes on BT Sport, covering Italian football together.
Hughes started his playing career in the Atalanta youth ranks, so had been a trusted voice on Italian football before rising in the recruitment scene at Bournemouth.
Rae now says that Hughes is one of the ‘sharpest’ people he has ever worked with and believes Liverpool have made ‘very good decision’.
Rae – who may be known by many as the lead commentator on FC 24 – added that he loves seeing a fellow Scot in a major role at a top Premier League club.
Who did Bournemouth sign under Hughes?
Hughes spent 10 years in the recruitment side at Bournemouth, helping bring some quality players to the club during his time at the Vitality Stadium.
Callum Wilson, Tyrone Mings, Lewis Cook, Aaron Ramsdale, Nathan Ake, Dominic Solanke, Lloyd Kelly, Philip Billing and Arnaut Danjuma all arrive before the Cherries slipped into the Championship in 2020.
Hughes did a fine job of stabilising Bournemouth and since winning promotion, the Cherries have been impressive in the market.
Marcus Tavernier, Neto, Marcos Senesi, Dango Ouattara, Antoine Semenyo and Illya Zabarnyi have all made an impact in the Premier League.
Last summer saw Bournemouth bring in the likes of Milos Kerkez, Alex Scott and Justin Kluivert with Hughes again targeting young players with potential.
Hughes will of course have to target bigger signings at Liverpool, but his eye for talent is undeniable and this step up from Bournemouth has been coming for a while.
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