Liverpool seeks fifth sporting director as Richard Hughes departs the club
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 8:50 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Liverpool is searching for a new sporting director following the confirmed departure of Richard Hughes, who is moving to Al Hilal. Hughes is taking head of scouting operations Craig McKee and head of technical scouting Mark Burchill with him, necessitating a wider restructuring of the club's recruitment and technical departments. The vacancy is the fifth in the position since 2022, occurring alongside significant changes in ownership and the recent appointment of Andoni Iraola as head coach. Mike Gordon is currently overseeing daily operations and maintaining contact with Iraola regarding squad planning and recruitment needs. Leading internal and external candidates, including Julian Ward, Pedro Marques, and David Woodfine, have been identified as the club attempts to restore long-term stability. Despite the personnel shifts, management continues to evaluate squad requirements ahead of upcoming competitions.
- •Richard Hughes is departing Liverpool to join Al Hilal along with two senior scouting staff members.
- •Julian Ward, Pedro Marques, and David Woodfine are identified as primary candidates for the sporting director role.
- •Andoni Iraola remains in regular contact with Mike Gordon to manage ongoing recruitment and team development.
- •This search marks the fifth appointment to the sporting director position since 2022.
- 8:50 AMYahoo Sports — Liverpool Sporting Director search set to accelerate
"Liverpool sporting director search heats up as Julian Ward, Pedro Marques and David Woodfine emerge as leading optionsLiverpool are back at a familiar crossroads, and there is a sense that the route t...
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