Liverpool appoint Richard Hughes with the former Bournemouth transfer guru now leading the search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Anfield

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. 

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. 

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