€45 million Richard Hughes mistake now painfully clear

Richard Hughes is the man responsible for most of Liverpool's transfer business in the post-Jurgen Klopp era.

The Scot oversaw a Premier League title win in his first season, and a £650 million squad overhaul in the following transfer windows.

By the end of Hughes' reign, the Reds had arguably taken a step back from the position they were in when he took over.

Although some signings will no doubt prove to be worth the outlay, some of Hughes' mistakes are now becoming clearer.

One of the executive's biggest mistakes didn't come in a signing he made, but instead in one he didn't.

Hughes mistake to cost Liverpool €45 million

Although he has since joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Hughes led Liverpool's recruitment team this summer, and the Reds were heavily linked with teenage sensation Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old defender ended up joining Brighton in a €55 million (~£46m) deal from Tottenham, and has gone on to be one of the divisions best defenders this season.

That fee now looks like a bargain, and the Croatian's impressive form has seen him linked with a Merseyside move.

Liverpool's recruitment team reportedly view Vuskovic as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, who is out of contract in the summer.

The fee being touted is around €100 million (~£83m), so €45 (~£37.5m) million more than he was available for just a few months ago.

Had the Reds acted on their interest last summer, they could have signed the man they view as the long-term heir to Van Dijk for almost half the price they will now have to pay.

Failing to sign Vuskovic last season could go down as one of the biggest mistakes in Hughes' tenure, and it could really cost Liverpool.

The Reds must learn a lesson from this and avoid letting their Premier League rivals beat them to the best young talent moving forward.