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Paul Joyce has revealed at least one position that Richard Hughes is working on strengthening.

Liverpool’s cautious approach to the summer transfer window, coupled with ongoing contract uncertainties surrounding key players, has created mounting pressure on new sporting director Richard Hughes, though the situation’s roots extend beyond his tenure.

Three of Liverpool’s most influential players – Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold – have entered the final 18 months of their contracts.

While talks with Salah and Van Dijk are progressing positively from, with both players expressing their desire to stay, Alexander-Arnold’s situation appears more complex due to strong interest from Real Madrid.

Online fan criticism has targeted Hughes for the quiet transfer window and unresolved contract situations:

However, this overlooks the complex backdrop of leadership changes in Liverpool’s recruitment structure over recent years:

Michael Edwards departed after building the championship-winning squad in 2022.

So Hughes is really the fourth sporting director in three years at Anfield, not exactly the best conditions to start negotiating what will likely be unprecedented deals on Merseyside at least from a financial point of view.

What did Paul Joyce say about Richard Hughes?

The Times journalist has reported that the former Bournemouth director identified left-back as a position to strengthen eventually.

Andy Robertson is now 30 years of age while Kostas Tsimikas is not considered to be the Scotsman’s long-term replacement.

Joyce reports:

“In time, left back is an area where Liverpool need to strengthen, but it is unlikely to be this month

Richard Hughes will be working on that.

“He knows Milos Kerkez well, and Alphonso Davies has also been linked.”

Although Kerkez is mentioned, Fabrizio Romano has already asserted that Manchester United have a more concrete interest in the Hungarian.

Hughes’ approach at Liverpool mirrors his previous work at Bournemouth, where he demonstrated patience in the transfer market and was not afraid to maintain a quiet window when circumstances demanded.

His history suggests a methodical approach to recruitment rather than rushing into transfers for the sake of activity.

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