These are uncertain times for Liverpool’s leadership structure.
Arne Slot was appointed to replace Jurgen Klopp as head coach back in 2024. And around the same Michael Edwards was brought back to the FSG fold following his stint as Liverpool’s sporting director.
Edwards was named as FSG’s CEO of Football and he installed Richard Hughes as the new sporting director. All three signed contracts until 2027 - and right now there are indications that all three are in doubt.
Slot’s results haven’t been good enough in his second season in charge - slumping from winning the title to scrapping it out for a place in the top five.
Edwards is understood to be eyeing an exit owing to FSG’s failure to land a second club as part of their proposed multi-club ownership empire.
A big incentive for Edwards to return was the installation of the multi-club ownership model but those plans are on ice.
And Richard Hughes finds himself under the microscope owing to failures in the transfer window.
Liverpool added £450m worth of talent in last summer’s window - but are worst off for those arrivals. The Mohamed Salah contract renewal has been a botch meanwhile with the Egyptian King set to leave for free.
It has been reported over the last few weeks that the Scottish exec is a target for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League to become their new technical director.
But it looks like there is going to be continuity in Liverpool’s leadership structure for the next 12 months at least.
Because TEAMtalk is reporting that Hughes is STAYING at Liverpool and will not advance on a move to the Middle East.
“Liverpool have no concerns over the future of Richard Hughes, and he will not be leaving the club this summer, with TEAMtalk able to confirm that the sporting director remains fully committed to the club despite strong links with Al-Hilal,” the report reads.
“Fenway Sports Group are extremely satisfied with Hughes’ work since his arrival, with the club’s hierarchy viewing him as a key figure in their long-term strategy.”
Furthermore Hughes is set to play a significant part in deciding Arne Slot’s future with the Dutchman under scrutiny. Hughes is due to conduct an end-of-season review following a washout campaign.
“Liverpool’s position is firm – Hughes is settled, valued and fully focused on continuing the club’s rebuild, with no indication that he is considering a move away this summer,” the report reads.
“The sporting director is already working hard on a number of summer signings, and he is keen to help with the club’s plans to revamp the squad and help the Reds return to a position of power next season.”
