RIYADH: Richard Hughes has been appointed sporting director of Al-Hilal of the Saudi ​Pro League club after his departure from Liverpool.

Hughes, 47, joined Liverpool in 2024 from Bournemouth. He appointed ​Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s ​successor as manager, a decision that ⁠paid immediate dividends as the ​Reds claimed the Premier League title in ​2024-25. Slot was then sacked and replaced by Andoni Iraola in June.

“The appointment of ​Hughes came as part of Al-Hilal’s ​efforts to strengthen its football system and develop ‌its ⁠sporting structure with specialized expertise,” the SPL leaders said in a statement.

The appointment highlights Al-Hilal’s drive to tap ​into English ​football ⁠expertise, with Hughes the latest former Premier League figure ​to join the Riyadh-based club.

Hughes ​follows ⁠Gabriel Martinelli, Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins, who joined the Saudi club ⁠this ​year from Arsenal, West ​Ham United and Aston Villa, respectively.

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