Liverpool are searching for a new sporting director for the fifth time since 2022 after Richard Hughes confirmed his move to Al-Hilal. Mike Gordon, president of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), is overseeing the process with a preference for a long-term appointment. Internal candidates include David Woodfine, Hughes' former assistant and ex-director of loans, and Julian Ward, who served as sporting director from 2022-2023 and oversaw signings like Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister, and Darwin Nunez. Pedro Marques, FSG's director of football development and former Benfica technical director, is another option. Externally, Luis Campos at Paris St-Germain would be a strong choice but is unlikely to leave the European champions.

The new director faces immediate contract dilemmas with Alisson and Virgil van Dijk, both out of contract next summer. Alisson, 33, remains first-choice despite interest from Juventus, while 35-year-old Van Dijk has played every league minute this season. Losing both would risk a leadership void after Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson departed. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has not fully convinced, and 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans arrives next summer from Genk for up to £30m.

In midfield, Andoni Iraola cites "good numbers" despite Curtis Jones moving to Inter Milan, with faith in 19-year-old Trey Nyoni. The appointment must address squad depth, contract renewals, and a clear recruitment strategy.