Liverpool's post-Klopp plan takes twist as Premier League rival announce exit

05 March 2024 , 19:43

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Richard Hughes will leave Bournemouth at the end of this season

Bournemouth have announced that highly-rated sporting director Richard Hughes will leave his role at the end of the season amid interest from Liverpool.

The former Bournemouth midfielder says this is the "right time" to announce his departure, with Liverpool keen on recruiting a new sporting director before deciding on their next manager to replace the outgoing Jurgen Klopp. But the Reds aren't the only club reportedly interested in Hughes' services, as Italian giants Roma are also keen.

According to the Mail, both Liverpool and Roma are eyeing a move for the 44-year-old, who's earned praise for his work on the south coast after assuming the role in 2016 following two separate spells playing for Bournemouth. Simon Francis, another ex-Cherries player who currently holds the role of assistant first-team technical director, is among the contenders to succeed Hughes, the report adds.

Liverpool have identified Hughes as an option to replace Jorg Schmadtke, who decided to leave his role as the Reds' transfer chief shortly after Klopp announced that he'd be leaving. Michael Edwards, who was Liverpool's sporting director from 2016 to 2022, is understood to be the club's No.1 choice but it's been claimed that he's reluctant to return to Anfield.

Edwards, also 44, has already turned down one approach from Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group which was made in the wake of Klopp's announcement on January 26. Since leaving Anfield two years ago, Edwards has set up his own consultancy, 'Ludonautics', with Liverpool's former head of research, Ian Graham.

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But Hughes' availability could tempt the Reds to change their focus, as his departure was confirmed on Tuesday. "The club requires a healthy lead up time to plan for the summer and beyond so this is the right time to announce that I will be leaving at the end of the season," the Bournemouth chief confirmed.

Your turn! Who should Liverpool appoint as their new sporting director? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

Jorg Schmadtke stepped down from his role at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp announced his looming departure (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"I look forward to the day I return as a supporter in the company of my wife and our five children who are the biggest of Cherries fans, but before then an important end to this season awaits and I am looking forward to a strong finish. Up the Cherries."

Bournemouth owner and chairman Bill Foley added: "I'm very grateful for Richard's outstanding service to this football club. His contribution in helping to deliver competitive teams for us over the years is no better highlighted than by our status as a Premier League club for seven of the last nine seasons. I wish him the very best for the future."

Nathan Ridley