Saudi target two key Liverpool figures ahead of expected summer upheaval
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The Saudi Pro League are targeting both Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes from Liverpool this summer, in what could deepen a summer of upheaval at Anfield.The Independent understands that there are nevertheless no current plans to move on Arne Slot, with the hierarchy believing there are numerous mitigating factors for a disappointing campaign.The team's inconsistent form and questions over lopsided recruitment have created noise over the football leadership as much as the coach, with numerous sources believing there will be change regardless of what happens. Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot (REUTERS)Hughes arrived as Liverpool’s sporting director following the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2024, with former sporting director Edwards, who previously left Anfield in 2022, returning as the club’s chief executive of football.The latter's position is nevertheless complicated because he was brought in to create a multi-club strategy for Fenway Sports Group owners, only for Liverpool's owners to ultimately decide against such a move earlier this month.
The Independent has been told that Edwards looked at over 30 clubs across multiple European leagues, including French club Bordeaux and Spanish sides Malaga and Getafe, but the hierarchy felt most were considerably overvalued.The fact that Liverpool have ultimately moved away from such an approach has brought questions over whether Edwards himself would want a different challenge, and the Saudi Pro League are willing to offer him an opportunity. Hughes is meanwhile known to be seen as an ideal candidate for Al Hilal's recruitment roles.Such a development could yet influence the next step in the headline story for Liverpool's summer, which is Mohamed Salah's pending departure.
The MLS side currently have no Designated Player places, which would require a reshuffle.Mohamed Salah has announced he will be leaving Liverpool after nine seasons at the club (AFP via Getty Images)Salah's diminished performance level has been one of many factors in Liverpool's considerable drop-off this season, and a recent run of two defeats and a draw in their last three Premier League games has provoked more debate about Slot's future.That debate has not been raised among the hierarchy, though. It’s more about them personally and mentally.“Obviously, football is a massive sport and people have an opinion, which is natural.