{
  "id": 6074506,
  "title": "Hughes named Al-Hilal sporting director after Liverpool exit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/hughes-named-al-hilal-sporting-director-after-liverpool-exit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T00:52:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1527261/hughes-named-al-hilal-sporting-director-after-liverpool-exit"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Richard Hughes has been appointed as sporting director of Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club announced on Sunday, following his departure from Liverpool, according to the Saudi Pro League's statement.\n\nThe 47-year-old Hughes, who joined Liverpool in 2024 from Bournemouth, played a pivotal role in the Reds' Premier League triumph in the 2023-24 season under manager Jurgen Klopp. However, Klopp's successor, Arne Slot, was swiftly replaced by Andoni Iraola in June 2024.\n\nThe appointment of Hughes is part of Al-Hilal's strategic move to bolster its football infrastructure and cultivate a robust sporting framework with specialized knowledge, the club leadership emphasized. This move underscores Al-Hilal's ambition to leverage English football's expertise, with Hughes becoming the latest Premier League figure to join the Riyadh-based club.\n\nEarlier this year, Al-Hilal bolstered its ranks with the signings of Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, Cryseno Summerville from West Ham United, and Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, further strengthening its squad with talent from the English Premier League.",
  "summary": "RIYADH: Richard Hughes has been appointed sporting director of Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League club said on Sunday, following his departure from Liverpool.",
  "key_points": [
    "Richard Hughes appointed as Al-Hilal sporting director.",
    "Hughes leaves Liverpool after 2024 Premier League title.",
    "Al-Hilal strengthens squad with English players."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The appointment of Richard Hughes as Al-Hilal's sporting director signifies the club's continued effort to tap into English football expertise, following a series of high-profile signings from Premier League clubs.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}