Liverpool have completed their move to appoint Richard Hughes as sporting director, with the former Bournemouth transfer chief now heading up their search to find Jurgen Klopp’s successor. 

Mail Sport reported in late January that Hughes was on Liverpool’s radar to replace short-term sporting director Jorg Schmadtke and the Reds’ decision was heavily influenced by the arrival of Michael Edwards as CEO of Football for owners Fenway Sports Group. 

Hughes and Edwards have a long-standing relationship dating back to working together at Portsmouth, and the pair also dealt with one another when the former was at Bournemouth. 

The first job on Hughes’ in-tray will be to appoint Klopp’s successor when the German departs in May. Xabi Alonso is the favourite, and Sporting’s Ruben Amorim will also be considered. 

He will also look to open contract talks with star men Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three have deals running out at the end of next season. 

Liverpool have appointed former Bournemouth chief Richard Hughes as their sporting director

Liverpool have appointed former Bournemouth chief Richard Hughes as their sporting director

Liverpool have appointed former Bournemouth chief Richard Hughes as their sporting director

Finding a successor to Jurgen Klopp will be of paramount importance to the Reds before the new season

Finding a successor to Jurgen Klopp will be of paramount importance to the Reds before the new season

Finding a successor to Jurgen Klopp will be of paramount importance to the Reds before the new season

Xabi Alonso is considered the favourite to inherit Klopp's place at Anfield for next season

Xabi Alonso is considered the favourite to inherit Klopp's place at Anfield for next season

Xabi Alonso is considered the favourite to inherit Klopp’s place at Anfield for next season

Hughes and Edwards do not officially start work until after the season but both are expected to be heavily influential from now onwards. Edwards, for example, was at Old Trafford on Sunday sat with other Liverpool chiefs.

Klopp revealed last week that he had already spoken to Edwards about the club’s future but said his former colleague was too smart to try and talk him into a U-turn about staying.

‘We’ve had a conversation. Michael and I always had a really good relationship and obviously a lot of good things happened when we were here together. Now he’s back, I am really happy,’ said the manager.

‘I’ve said many times I want to see the club in the best possible place after I leave and this is a top solution.

‘Our conversation was great. We spoke about a lot of things, what I think about players and different things., what has changed, what might have to change.’  

Hughes is highly regarded in football circles having driven Bournemouth’s recruitment drive in recent years that has seen them punch above their weight in the Premier League. 

Liverpool had hoped to have moves for the pair wrapped up by the end of March and have been successful in doing so.

Roma had also expressed an interest in luring Hughes to Italy as they seek a successor to Tiago Pinto, who left the club last month.

Hughes spent part of his youth in Italy and speaks fluent Italian, which had been a clear attraction for the Serie A club.

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