Richard Hughes left with big call to make after bombshell update

Richard Hughes must make a big call on a €35m player after a bombshell update.

It’s another massive summer for Richard Hughes. Arguably, this is the biggest of his time at Liverpool, with the sporting director needing to prove that last summer wasn’t a disaster but merely phase one.

Hughes oversaw the biggest spend in Liverpool’s history ahead of this campaign. Results have gone in the wrong direction, however, and performances aren’t exactly giving much reason for optimism.

It’s clear to everyone watching that the squad lacks balance, especially after that overhaul. Players like Luis Diaz weren’t replaced and it feels as though new arrivals are the only way to correct this.

One particular area of concern is on the right flank, where Mo Salah has struggled. Liverpool don’t actually have a backup option, either, and it seems there may be complications around their presumed first choice signing.

Liverpool and Allan

Liverpool have been consistently linked with a move for Palmeiras star Allan, a player capable of operating on the right flank. Portal Do Palestra, however, reports that the Brazilian side are set to ignore transfer offers for the rest of the year.

They want their player to remain with them for the rest of the season, which runs for the calendar. That ruins any chances of Liverpool getting the Brazilian this summer - and now Hughes has a decision to make.

Should he wait for Allan or move on? It's something that Liverpool have battled with before.

Back in January 2021, the Reds desperately needed a new centre-back during an injury crisis. The one they wanted, Ibrahima Konate, was unavailable until the summer.

And so they waited. Liverpool didn't spend money on a new one, instead loaning options to get them through the season. Konate was available once the campaign was done.

There was a similar situation in 2024 with Martin Zubimendi. Liverpool had him as their best option but whe he rejected a move, they opted against an alternative.

Now Hughes must make a call. He could wait for Allan, assuming he's the preferred option, or move onto someone new for the summer.

It's a huge decision that could define the future of Liverpool's right flank.

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