Paul Joyce reveals the secret role that new sporting director Richard Hughes played in the past successful signings at Liverpool
The Times journalist Paul Joyce revealed that new Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes advised Michael Edwards over many successful signings. Liverpool announced that Hughes will become the new sporting director under the guidance of Edwards once the current season ends.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has already announced that he is stepping back from the managerial role which contributed to drastic changes. FSG moved swiftly to bring back former sporting director Edwards in a bigger role, allowing him control over football operations.
The 44-year-old hired Hughes to succeed Jorg Schmadtke, who left the Reds at the end of the January transfer window. The new structure will usher in a new era after Klopp and many of his senior staff members depart the club.
Klopp is leaving behind a healthy culture that balances the desire for success with developing young boys into men. Hughes has a key role to play in the appointment of Klopp’s successor as Liverpool seek to continue
Hughes’ impact: Joyce reveals past Liverpool insights and managerial succession plans
Joyce wrote in The Times that Hughes advised Edwards to sign Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah for the Reds. Due to the difference in financial power and players attracting capacity between Bournemouth and Liverpool, Hughes provided insight to Edwards.
Hughes also beat Edwards to sign Lloyd Kelly in 2019, a player that Liverpool wanted to sign at the time. The Bournemouth technical director has earned a lot of respect from his football peers due to his incredible football knowledge.
Hughes’ primary goal is to find a worthy successor for Klopp after the end of the current season. The 44-year-old knows Xabi Alonso’s agent, Inaki Ibanez, who is also the representative of current Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
Alonso is a firm favourite for Liverpool fans and media to succeed Klopp as the new manager of the club. The Spaniard is enjoying an unbeaten season with Bayer Leverkusen currently and has a strong bond with the Anfield faithful.
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Hughes, upon deciding on a successor, will showcase his footballing knowledge and negotiation skills at the top level. The 44-year-old would have to make decisions according to the tactics of the new manager which will shape the club’s future.
