Sports News Report
League: Saudi Pro LeagueSport: SoccerCountry: Saudi ArabiaCategory: General

Liverpool shifts transfer strategy toward Matt Newberry after Richard Hughes exit

10 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 3:52 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Liverpool shifts transfer strategy toward Matt Newberry after Richard Hughes exit
Summary

Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes is departing the club following the close of the 2026-27 summer transfer window. The transition shifts greater influence to Matt Newberry, who leads the club's global talent department. Newberry recently oversaw the signings of Lucca Brughmans and Djylian N'Guessan. While Hughes managed arrivals for both Liverpool and Al-Hilal this summer, the Reds seek a more focused approach to player development and recruitment under the new structure. The club finished fifth in the Premier League last season, prompting ongoing roster changes. Future deals remain a priority as management assesses the long-term status of several key players, including goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and forward Cody Gakpo, ahead of the January transfer window.

Source Links
BBC SportYahoo SportsESPN SoccerBBC NewsThe Guardian Sport
Key Details
  • •Richard Hughes is leaving his post as Liverpool's sporting director.
  • •Matt Newberry now manages Liverpool's global talent department.
  • •The club completed deals for Lucca Brughmans and Djylian N'Guessan.
  • •Djylian N'Guessan will join Brest on loan before arriving at Anfield.
  • •Potential roster movement continues regarding Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister.
Latest Updates
  • 3:52 PMBBC Sport — Who will be new Liverpool sporting director - and what issues do they face?
  • 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Report: Three names ‘likely to be considered’ to replace Richard Hughes as LFC sporting director
  • 12:44 PMESPN Soccer — Liverpool sporting director Hughes steps down
  • 12:35 PMYahoo Sports — Richard Hughes leaves role as Liverpool sporting director
  • 11:46 AMBBC Sport — Hughes steps down as Liverpool sporting director
  • 11:46 AMBBC News — Richard Hughes steps down as Liverpool sporting director - BBC
  • 11:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Liverpool look for new sporting director after Richard Hughes formally leaves
  • 6:40 PMYahoo Sports — So long Richard Hughes, Liverpool have already found their next transfer mastermind
What they're saying
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Hughes in line for similar role at Saudi club Al-Hilal FSG president Mike Gordon leads search for successor Liverpool are searching for a fourth sporting director in four years after confirming that Richard Hughes has stepped down from the role. Hughes’s departure has been long expected, with the 47-year-old in line to take up a similar position with the Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. He informed Liverpool of his intentions to leave early this year, after the departure of his friend Michael Edwards as chief executive of football for Fenway Sports Group, the club’s owner. Continue reading...

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Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has stepped down after just over two years in the job. Hughes, who has long been linked with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, oversaw the largest spending spree in the club’s history with the £450 million ($611.

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Now that the 2026-27 summer transfer window is over, Richard Hughes has probably already packed his bags and is heading towards Saudi Arabia. The Englishman has been Liverpool's sporting director for ...

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LiverpoolSaudi Pro LeagueSoccer

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