Hughes Under the Microscope at Anfield
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes continues to divide opinion, but his cold, data-led approach remains central to the club’s present and future as scrutiny intensifies at Anfield.
The debate around Hughes flared again following Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City, with frustrated supporters questioning why Liverpool failed to land the defender last summer. That criticism came just days after encouraging performances from recent signings in Marseille offered a reminder that Hughes’ tenure cannot be judged on a single decision.
The truth, as ever, sits somewhere in between. Hughes has overseen some decisive successes and several costly gambles, all while operating in one of the most unforgiving roles in English football.
Appointed formally in June 2024, Hughes inherited a club transitioning from the Jurgen Klopp era while still expected to compete for major honours. Liverpool have since won a Premier League title, endured a sharp downturn, and committed close to £450 million to a squad rebuild that is still finding balance.
With his contract entering its final 18 months, every call now carries added weight.
Hughes’ defining early move was the appointment of Arne Slot. Identified months before Klopp’s departure, Slot was chosen through a blend of tactical profiling and performance data, and the outcome was immediate.
Slot delivered a Premier League title in his debut season with minimal recruitment, validating Hughes’ belief that the existing squad was strong enough to compete. Few appointments in recent Liverpool history have landed with such impact.
The decision to sign only Federico Chiesa during the 2024–25 campaign looked inspired during the title run, but cracks soon appeared. Liverpool’s energy levels dipped sharply late in the season, exposed by Champions League elimination and domestic cup defeat.
The failure to secure Martin Zubimendi or an alternative midfielder left Slot short-handed, forcing Ryan Gravenberch into an extended defensive role that took its toll. In hindsight, depth rather than star quality was the missing piece.
Hughes faced a delicate situation with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all approaching contract expiry. Agreements with Salah and Van Dijk eventually brought stability, though the prolonged uncertainty created unnecessary noise.
Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid was likely inevitable, but allowing the situation to drift reduced Liverpool’s leverage. While his contribution to the title softened the blow, the episode highlighted Hughes’ tendency to let negotiations run long.
The summer of 2025 marked a dramatic shift. Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak arrived in quick succession, transforming expectations overnight.
Early results were disastrous. A run of nine defeats in 12 matches shattered Liverpool’s title defence and placed the spotlight firmly on recruitment strategy. Isak’s record fee drew particular criticism, especially given Ekitike’s immediate impact.
Form has since stabilised. Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez are beginning to justify their price tags, while Isak’s long-term value hinges on recovery from injury.
Nothing has hurt Hughes’ reputation more than the failure to secure Marc Guehi. Liverpool entered the season light at centre-back, and the decision to wait for a free transfer proved catastrophic.
With Ibrahima Konate struggling, Joe Gomez unavailable, and a young Giovanni Leoni sidelined by injury, Liverpool paid heavily for underestimating the risk. City’s capture of Guehi only sharpened the contrast.
Despite recent turbulence, Hughes has stood firmly behind Slot, resisting pressure to act rashly. Liverpool’s limited winter activity reflects both financial reality and faith in the head coach’s adaptability.
Slot’s resilience remains a pillar of Hughes’ strategy, but results will dictate how long that loyalty lasts.
Hughes’ reign at Liverpool has been defined by bold conviction and costly restraint. His best decisions have delivered silverware, while his miscalculations have undermined momentum.
With Champions League progress and a top-four finish now essential, the next few months will likely decide whether Hughes’ analytical vision is given time to fully mature or judged as a missed opportunity at a critical moment in Liverpool’s evolution.