Liverpool

Everything Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and FSG have said on Liverpool ahead of busy summer

Published

9 months ago

March 21, 2024

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Everything Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and FSG have said on Liverpool ahead of busy summer

Liverpool has announced Richard Hughes as new sporting director.

He will officially arrive in the summer and will play a key role in naming the club’s next manager.

Liverpool’s FSG owners and Michael Edwards will start life without Jürgen Klopp this summer
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Liverpool has made one of two major appointments that will shape the club’s future once Jürgen Klopp departs this summer. Amid the search for Klopp’s successor, Liverpool had also been on the lookout for a new sporting director.

The Reds confirmed Richard Hughes’ arrival from Bournemouth on Wednesday as the Scot takes over following Jörg Schmadtke’s departure at the end of the January transfer window. Hughes, who will officially start work in the summer, is Liverpool’s fourth sporting director in just over two years, having struggled to nail down a long-term option since Michael Edwards’ exit in 2022.

Edwards reunited with FSG last week and he drove the appointment for Hughes. The pair have known each other for over 20 years, in a professional and personal capacity, having worked together at Portsmouth.

READ MORE: Mohamed Salah could follow Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp’s lead despite Erling Haaland ‘rejection’

READ MORE: England fans are wrong on Kobbie Mainoo as Gareth Southgate can’t ignore Liverpool duo

The focus will now be on appointing Klopp’s successor, with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso remaining the leading candidate to take over. Bayern Munich remains interested in the Spaniard though and will battle Liverpool for his services.

But now the first piece of the jigsaw is in place at Anfield, FSG chiefs can step up their plans to make the most appointment of their tenure. Here is how the past few weeks have panned out and what has been said, as Liverpool looks ahead to the post-Klopp era.

Life after Jürgen
FSG president Mike Gordon expressed his ‘profound appreciation’ for Klopp when he announced he would be stepping down this summer, back in January. In a statement, Gordon admitted FSG’s sadness at the German’s departure, but insisted his reasons for wanting to leave had been respected.

He then switched his focus on the future, adding: “Our priority now is two-fold. First, to ensure that the progress that has been made on the pitch this season is maintained in the final months of the campaign.

“Second, to continue the due diligence behind the scenes which will allow our football operations department to adapt to a future without Jürgen. As ever, these ambitions will be pursued in the best interests of the club and its supporters.”

Edwards makes his return
FSG and Gordon had approached Michael Edwards about returning to Anfield after Klopp announced his exit but Liverpool’s former sporting director was not convinced. He was enjoying his time away from football but an alternative proposal was put forward with a completely new position created specifically for him.

Edwards was appointed CEO of Football by FSG earlier this month, with Liverpool falling under his remit. Gordon was unsurprisingly delighted to get his man, adding: “It was clear when we reached out that a broader scope would be a key motivating factor for any potential return. In this regard, and many others, his ambitions matched ours.”

“We constantly strive for improvement in our football operation, whether that be identifying fresh opportunities externally or areas for enhancement internally, and there is no better man to lead that ongoing process.

Getting down to work
In the same FSG statement, Edwards confirmed he would oversee Liverpool’s football operations, with multiple ‘essential leadership positions needing urgent attention’, notably a new sporting director and manager.

He said: “I fully understand this role comes with great expectations and I therefore intend to intend to identify, hire, and subsequently empower leaders who meet and embody the club’s values and ambitions.

He also confirmed FSG’s plans to acquire another club had appealed to him. Edwards added: “I was humbled by the desire and persistence shown in wanting to work with me again. It was vital for me that, if I did return, it had to be with renewed vigor and energy.”

Sporting director appointed
Liverpool confirmed Richard Hughes as its new sporting director on March 20. Edwards was key to the appointment and made no secret of his desire to get his ally in at Anfield.

Edwards told Liverpool’s official website: “He has outstanding judgement and a track record of making smart decisions which benefit the organizations he represents. It is clear to everyone that Jürgen will leave a legacy to build upon and in Richard we have the right person to make the key decisions and offer the leadership to take us forward into a bright future.

“As one very successful chapter will come to a close for Liverpool in the summer, the objective of everyone here is for another one to begin – and with Richard I am confident we have the right person in position for us to achieve this aim.”

Hughes excited for the future
The ex-Premier League star admitted he couldn’t wait to get started as his arrival was confirmed. He said: “I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity. Liverpool FC is a unique club and I’m grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.

“People rightly talk about the rich history this organization can boast, but it is the present and future which really excites me. Jürgen Klopp is leading an outstanding team and squad and alongside that the commitment to young players and their pathway to the first team is also outstanding.

“I am fully aware of the expectations and responsibilities that come with taking this position. It will be my job, working with Michael [Edwards] and leading the football operations team already in place, plus the wider staff at the AXA Training Centre, to make good decisions.

“That’s really what the job entails: you have to make the kind of good decisions which enhance the prospects of having a team that wins and excites the supporters. It is what Liverpool have done well for a very long time and the benefits are there for everyone to see.”

Liverpool.com says: This summer is going to be the most important in Liverpool’s recent history. Life after Jürgen Klopp will not be plain sailing but in Edwards and Hughes, Liverpool has two figureheads eager to make a positive impact. Their priority will be appointing the German’s successor before Hughes lines up summer transfer plans alongside the new boss. If Liverpool can make the right additions to build on an already talented squad, the next few years could be even more exciting.

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Liverpool Move For Rayan Ait-Nouri ‘Would not be a Surprise’
BY
HARRY WHITTINGHAM
PUBLISHED 47 MINUTES AGO
Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri at Anfield.

Wolves left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes
HIGHLIGHTS
Liverpool could be one of several outfits linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri during the 2024 summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old’s impressive form has caught the attention of some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs this term.
Reports in France claim the Reds lead the race to secure Ait-Nouri’s signature at Anfield.
Liverpool could be one of several big clubs linked with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri during the 2024 summer window, as transfer insider Dean Jones also names Chelsea and Manchester United as potential suitors.

The Reds are preparing for a new era at Anfield. In January, head coach Jurgen Klopp announced he would depart at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive officer of football operations, Michael Edwards, and Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, will oversee the appointment of a new era on the red half of Merseyside. Ait-Nouri is enjoying an exceptional campaign with Wolves and could pique the attention of several Premier League outfits.

Liverpool’s previous interest in Ait-Nouri
During the 2024 winter transfer window, FootballTransfers reported that Liverpool and Arsenal were targeting Ait-Nouri. Both clubs had been looking to bolster their left-back positions given the depth shortages and had identified the 22-year-old as an ideal option to offer cover and competition. An eventual move was complicated by Ait-Nouri’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations for Algeria. The same report claimed that Wolves may have considered a bid worth more than £50m.

In December, Jones told GIVEMESPORT that the defender was “very important” to how Wolves play, with Paris Saint-Germain also rumoured to be waiting in the wings for the talent. However, the former Angers star remains at Wolves heading into the remainder of the 2023/24 season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri
According to a recent report from La Gazette Du Fennec, Liverpool lead the race to sign Ait-Nouri ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window. The article claims several Premier League outfits have been interested in the versatile left-sided defender’s services, but the Reds are currently at the front of the queue.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ait-Nouri has made 1.9 dribbles per game in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, ranking him joint-second in Gary O’Neil’s squad alongside Pedro Neto, behind only Matheus Cunha (2.2)

Liverpool reportedly want ‘a real left-back to support Virgil van Dijk’, and Jurgen Klopp has validated Ait-Nouri, even though he is set to leave Anfield at the end of the campaign. Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all said to be watching the Algeria international, who is coming to the end of his fourth season at Molineux.

Rayan Ait-Nouri stats vs full-backs across Europe (last 365 days)

Statistic

Per 90

Percentile

Non-penalty goals

0.05

Non-penalty xG

0.10

Pass completion %

84.6%

Successful take-ons

2.52

Touches (attacking penalty area)

2.01

Tackles

2.52

Dean Jones – Ait-Nouri will be ‘intriguing to clubs’ this summer
Jones wouldn’t be surprised if Liverpool were linked with a move for Ait-Nouri ahead of the summer transfer window. The journalist has been impressed with his character after establishing himself as a starter under Gary O’Neil. Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“Some big clubs are looking at left-back options, and when you think about Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd and what they will be looking for, it would not surprise me if there are links to Ait-Nouri between them soon. He’s started most of the games for Wolves this season, and he is at an age that will be intriguing to clubs because he still has room to grow and improve. He’s also shown good character by turning things around at Wolves after they threatened to turn sour for him last year. I think he will be targeted this summer.”

Liverpool transfer update on Joshua Kimmich interest
Having confirmed the appointment of Richard Hughes as their sporting director, Liverpool can begin to look ahead to their first summer transfer window without Jurgen Klopp since 2016. The Reds must prioritise hiring a new manager, who will also have input into the club’s potential business.

According to reports, Liverpool could be considering a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich. The 29-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2025, and The Athletic reports that the Bundesliga giants and the Germany international are at a stand-off in negotiations.

Bayern could be willing to offload Kimmich in the summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer 12 months later. Sky Sport Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims Liverpool join Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid in their interest in the experienced midfielder.

All statistics courtesy of FBref and WhoScored, correct as of 20-03-24.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Harry Whittingham
(2172 Articles Published)
Harry is a football writer with multiple years of experience in the field, having worked as an intern at Port Vale Football Club whilst graduating with a BA Hons degree in Sports Journalism from Staffordshire University in 2021, before coming through the ranks at the O&O Academy at Snack Media.

Having worked as a freelance writer on This is Futbol from July-November 2022, he now works as a freelance writer for the Exclusives and news team at GIVEMESPORT, mainly covering Premier League football as well as Celtic and Rangers.

Harry has interviewed a range of footballers during his career, including ex-Premier League and Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt and Port Vale legend Tom Pope.

When Harry’s not writing about football, he is often found following his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers home and away, whilst also keeping a keen follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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Liverpool deemed unlikely to appoint 41-year-old as Jurgen Klopp replacement..

Liverpool are currently on the lookout for a new manager to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season.

A number of coaches have been linked with a move to Anfield, including Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim.

There has also been talk about Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders potentially earning a promotion to the first-team manager’s job.

For instance, talkSPORT’s Alan Brazil recently claimed that the Reds players would welcome the prospect of the 41-year-old taking the reins.

However, there hasn’t been any concrete speculation on this front, and Liverpool-leaning journalist Neil Jones has now played down the prospect of Lijnders replacing Klopp.

The reporter, writing on CaughtOffside, doesn’t believe “there’s any chance Lijnders will get the top job at this stage”.

Pep Lijnders not quite ready for Liverpool manager’s job
Although Jones stresses that Lijnders is a “big figure” at Liverpool and his coaching credentials are “excellent”, he suggested that the Dutchman isn’t quite ready to make that step yet.

“There has again been some talk of Pep Lijnders being an option to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, but I would take that talk with a hefty pinch of salt,” Jones wrote on CaughtOffside.

“I don’t think there’s any chance Lijnders will get the top job at this stage, and nor should he either.

“If we are questioning the experience of Xabi Alonso, Ruben Amorim or Roberto De Zerbi, then we have to do the same with Lijnders, whose senior managerial career amounts to a few months at NEC Nijmegen.

“There’s no question that he is a big figure, day-to-day, at Liverpool, and his coaching credentials are excellent.

“But I think even he would accept that if he is looking to re-start his career as a head coach, he needs to go and prove himself elsewhere before stepping into the big job on Merseyside.

“I expect to see him in the dugout somewhere next season, just not at Anfield.”

TBR View
Lijnders is a great coach, there is no doubt about that, but him becoming permanent manager at Liverpool might be a step too far at this stage.

Most of the 41-year-old’s experience so far has been as an assistant, save for a four-and-a-half month spell at NEC Nijmegen back in 2018.

Lijnders has been linked with Ajax, which would be a great role for him to cut his teeth at managerial level and make a name for himself as a head coach.

Considering what a big job it’ll be to replace the legendary Klopp, the next manager needs to have experience of doing well in a huge league and winning major trophies.

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Darwin Nunez injury update as Jurgen Klopp ‘informed’ when Liverpool striker will return to action
Liverpool injury update on Darwin Nunez after the striker pulled out of international duty.
By Will Rooney
Published 20th Mar 2024, 17:06 GMT

Darwin Nunez is expected to be fit for Liverpool’s next fixture, reports suggest.

The striker suffered a hamstring issue in the Reds’ 4-3 loss against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-finals last Sunday. As a result, Nunez pulled out of Uruguay’s squad for games against the Basque Country and the Ivory Coast during the international break.

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Jurgen Klopp was hopeful that the former Benfica forward, who has recorded 17 goals and 14 assists this season, would not be sidelined for a period. Liverpool return to action when they face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday 31 March. They have a chance to move top of the table and put the pressure on title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, who meet later in the afternoon.

But Uruguayan outlet El Observador reports that Klopp has been ‘informed’ it is ‘very likely that Nunez will be ready for the return of the Premier League’.

Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo also suffered problems against United but subsequently linked with respective nations Colombia and Holland. Liverpool could also see Curtis Jones return against Brighton, having been absent for more than a month with an ankle injury.

Related topics:Jurgen KloppManchester UnitedPremier League
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OPINIONJurgen Klopp made major mistake as Liverpool left with nothing but regrets after Man Utd defeat
Liverpool had Manchester United right where they wanted them but let them off the hook in a dramatic FA Cup defeat

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Ian Doyle
ByIan DoyleChief Liverpool FC Writer
19:18, 17 MAR 2024
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Jurgen Klopp looks dejected after defeat to Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 (Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Old Trafford cup curse clearly remains strong for Liverpool.

But for all the talk of omens and portents meaning the weight of history was always against the Reds earning victory here – it would have been a first away triumph in knockout competitions against Manchester United in more than a century – it isn’t the past that has ended hopes of a quadruple.

Instead, this was an FA Cup quarter-final exit almost entirely of Liverpool’s own making. Several times Jurgen Klopp’s side had this game won only to offer United an invitation to force their way back into the tie, making it far more excited than it ever should have been.

LFC PLAYER RATINGS: Salah good but two poor in dramatic defeat to Utd

AS IT HAPPENED: Man Utd vs Liverpool score and analysis

Sure, there was a dire opening quarter in which the visitors were strangely caught unawares by United going at them from the first whistle. But having gone in at half-time 2-1 ahead, for a good half-hour in the second-half Liverpool’s dominance underlined the yawning chasm of quality between the two teams that has been apparent in the Premier League this season.

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However, whether through lack of care with some finishing, good goalkeeping by Andre Onana or, dare it be said, a touch of complacency, the third goal didn’t come.

That’s when Klopp’s substitutions largely sent Liverpool backwards rather than forwards. Cody Gakpo was nowhere near as effective as Mohamed Salah, Conor Bradley had a tough time up against Alejandro Garnacho, and while Harvey Elliott could point to scoring the third he lost the ball that led to United’s late winner.

And the manner in which some Liverpool players tired dramatically during extra time will no doubt lead to fingers being pointed at the minutes totted up by some in the Europa League stroll against Sparta Prague on Thursday. United’s ineffectiveness in Europe this season meant they had a full week to prepare and ultimately it showed.

Indeed, this was, as Klopp later admitted, one game too far for a squad that, while beset with injuries – there was no Ibrahima Konate for this one – had somehow managed to keep challenging on four fronts.

soccerlivenews

Everything Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and FSG have said on Liverpool ahead of busy summer

Liverpool

Everything Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and FSG have said on Liverpool ahead of busy summer

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