Blockbuster Richard Hughes deal looks more likely than ever

A blockbuster deal for Richard Hughes suddenly looks more likely than ever. Liverpool could be about to start again.

Richard Hughes has been heavily linked with a move to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League this week. They're reportedly eyeing him for the sporting director role - and it increasingly sounds like it might happen.

The Athletic certainly helped to paint that picture on Friday. They've explained that Hughes has just one more year remaining on his contract once the summer comes around, making any deal with Al-Hilal quite simple.

But it goes further than that. Liverpool's multi-club project is in the mud and Michael Edwards, also out of contract in 2027, no longer has a defined role.

Edwards is the one who brought Hughes to Anfield, their friendship dating back 20 years. Losing one does feel like losing the other, too.

And so it's quite routine to connect the dots here. Hughes is wanted by Al-Hilal at the exact time Edwards' own future is in severe doubt. With just one year remaining on their contracts anyway, enormous change could be on the way.

Richard Hughes: Situation Summary

Potential Move to Al-Hilal

Reports from Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan suggest that Hughes has reached an agreement to become Al-Hilal’s next sporting director, starting this summer. While transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms Al-Hilal's "strong interest," he notes that Hughes remains "completely committed" to the Liverpool project for now. The timing is notable as Hughes approaches the final year of his contract in June 2026. Some insiders suggest the links could be leverage for a new deal at Anfield.

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