Liverpool could be about to make another mistake with their replacement for Richard Hughes

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Richard Hughes officially left his position as Liverpool’s sporting director on Saturday, with the Scotsman expected to move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.Hughes has become an increasingly unpopular figure amongst supporters since joining in 2024, and leaves having failed to address some glaring holes within the Liverpool squad during the summer transfer window.With the shape of the squad in something of a mess, whoever takes over from Hughes has quite a job on their hands, and according to The Athletic, Liverpool are set to look internally for their replacement, something which will not fill fans with any confidence whatsoever. How will you remember Richard Hughes’ time as Liverpool’s sporting director?

Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC Liverpool replacing Hughes internally is a mistakeIt is perhaps unfair to blame Hughes alone for Liverpool’s failings in the market since his arrival in 2024. Rather, there seems to have been a systematic failure at the club.It has all stemmed from the idea that Michael Edwards is something of a demi-God, and his decisions around squad building should be taken as gospel.As has been seen over the past two years, that is just no longer the case.

Liverpool’s thinking in the market has been muddled at best, and their decisions to continually overlook areas of need within the squad at times feel negligent.Hughes has been the face of that, but there is a team behind him who should not escape criticism.READ MORE: Bradley Barcola is officially the fastest player in the Premier League after only half an hour of footballThose people include assistant sporting director David Woodfine, who will now be favourite to take over, along with Julian Ward, who is another Edwards disciple who also formerly held the top job himself.Neither of this men deserve a promotion for the work they have – or rather have not – done at Liverpool over the past two years, and the most recent summer more specifically.Liverpool absolutely need a fresh start from the Edwards era, and they need to look for an outside hire who can bring a new perspective to the club.Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesWhat the likes of Edwards, Ward and Woodfine have done at the club over the past decade has been commendable and at times brilliant, but they do not appear to have moved with the times, and Liverpool are worse off for it.The one name who may be worth consideration is Pedro Marques, who appears to have been leading the drive which has seen Liverpool acquire some brilliant young talent over the past 18 months.But if it is anyone other than the Portuguese, the Reds are setting themselves up for more difficulties in the transfer market and more frustration from supporters. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox