Liverpool’s interest in Richard Hughes has taken a turn after Bournemouth confirmed that he will be leaving this summer.
Finding a replacement for Jurgen Klopp will be difficult enough, but Liverpool also have other things to worry about.
Sporting director Jorg Schmadtke left the club at the end of the January transfer window and needs to be replaced.
The Reds have seen Michael Edwards, Julian Ward and now Schmadtke all leave that position in recent times and that appointment could be just as important as finding Klopp’s successor.
HITC Football understands that Liverpool are interested in landing Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes – and he now appears to be available.
Liverpool target Richard Hughes leaving Bournemouth
Bournemouth have now confirmed that Hughes will now be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Hughes noted in the statement that he wanted to give Bournemouth plenty of time to identify a replacement ahead of the summer transfer window.
Hughes didn’t explain his reason for leaving, but many will now believe that it’s because he will be joining another club.
Liverpool could be at the front of the queue for Hughes, although he has also been linked with Newcastle United.
Who is Richard Hughes?
Hughes had a fascinating start to his playing career as he was born in Glasgow but joined the ranks of Atalanta.
Arsenal snapped Hughes up in 1993 but never made a first-team appearance for the Gunners.
Lengthy spells with Bournemouth and Portsmouth followed with Hughes racking up appearances for both clubs.
A former Scotland international, Hughes finished his career with Bournemouth back in 2014 before retiring at the age of 34.
Hughes went on to join the Bournemouth recruitment team under Eddie Howe – hence those Newcastle links.
Bournemouth have recruited well in recent times, landing top young talents like Milos Kerkez, Dango Ouattara, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams and Illya Zabarnyi.
That work in the market seems to have put Hughes on Liverpool’s radar and today’s announcement may just pave the way for a move to Anfield.
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