The genius Richard Hughes' decision that is going under the radar

It isn't yet clear the legacy that Richard Hughes will have at Anfield, but his tenure as sporting director will certainly be remembered as historic.

The Scot oversaw the signings of three players for over £100 million, breaking the British transfer record twice and ultimately reshaping the side that Jurgen Klopp left at Anfield.

After spending over £650 million in five windows many would have expected the team to have improved under Hughes' oversight, but this hasn't clearly been the case.

Although it isn't massively clear how successful Hughes' time in Merseyside was yet, there is one genius decision that has looked better every week this season.

Hughes' masterstroke is now clear

In the summer of 2025, just months after winning the Premier League title, Hughes authorised the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich for £65.5 million, a move which has drawn plenty of criticism since.

The Colombian was approaching the latter stages of his contract and, for several reasons, the club were reluctant to offer him a new deal.

Diaz initially impressed in the Bundesliga, proving himself as one of the division's best players in his first season, but things aren't as straight forward this campaign.

Hughes had the chance to repeat the sale of Diaz this summer when a big money offer arrived from Manchester City for Cody Gakpo.

Initially many supporters would have taken the Citizens up on their offer, but Hughes' resolve remained strong and the Dutchman is still a Red.

When you compare the seasons that Diaz and Gakpo are having so far, Hughes looks like an absolute genius.

Diaz has managed just one goal and no assists in his first six outings for Bayern, and has seriously frustrated with his displays on the pitch, where as Gakpo has two goals and four assists from his five games and has looked like one of Liverpool's best players under Andoni Iraola.

The decision to keep Gakpo rather than repeat Diaz's sale now looks like one of Hughes; best moves at Liverpool, and could help the Scot's legacy going forward.