It has been decided who will lead Liverpool’s manager search out of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards

It has been decided who will lead Liverpool’s manager search out of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards

It has been decided who will lead Liverpool’s manager search out of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards

Liverpool are all set to make another key appointment in their restructuring of football operations.

With Michael Edwards already secured as FSG’s CEO of football, Richard Hughes’ arrival as sporting director has now been announced.

The announcement follows on from a piece in The Times this morning, who looked into Hughes’ imminent arrival in more detail.

Still technically employed by Bournemouth, it’s claimed that the former Scotland international will not take office until the season’s end in May. With Edwards’ contract reportedly not starting until June, this begs the question of who will be leading the search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

Liverpool clearly don’t have time to wait until the season is already over to get a move on here. The battle with Bayern Munich to secure Xabi Alonso as manager is seemingly set to intensify in April, for example.

So, somewhat confusingly, The Times claim that Hughes will be the man ‘tasked with finding the replacement for Klopp.’ Alonso is named as being ‘considered,’ along with Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi. The new sporting director is also claimed to be the one who will ‘drive transfer policy.’

Hughes straight to work at Liverpool
With Hughes still employed by Bournemouth, it seems likely that Liverpool may have come to some kind of arrangement with the Cherries.

For the 44-year-old to truly get to work at Anfield, he’ll have to juggle – or ideally abandon – whatever he’s working on at Dean Court. Now, with all due respect, he’s got bigger fish to fry.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
First on the agenda is obviously nailing down Klopp’s successor. And with Alonso still the front-runner, Hughes may have given Liverpool a head-start on the Spaniard.

Reportedly seen as someone who knows just about everyone in football, the incoming sporting director certainly has the number of Alonso’s agent.

Portsmouth FC Team Training Session
Photo by Joe Pepler/Portsmouth FC via Getty Images
Hughes gives Liverpool Alonso advantage
Hughes dealt with Inaki Ibanez when tempting another of his clients – Andoni Iraola – to take over as Bournemouth manager last year.

As a result, maybe his emergence as the man leading the charge for Liverpool isn’t a coincidence.

Ordinarily, you’d expect that as the man with the more senior role, Edwards might take charge over such an important matter. But Hughes obviously has the trust of his superior. He has also handily had very recent experience with Ibanez.

So, if Edwards is happy with this, then we are too. Before he even gets his feet under his new desk, Hughes may have already completed his most important deal for Liverpool.

‘Trust me’…  Fabrizio Romano says he’s now sure what Liverpool are going to do with Xabi Alonso next month
Wed 20 March 2024 07:00
James Brooke
April is set to be a big month in Liverpool’s hunt to land Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

Alonso has been installed as the favourite to take over at Anfield next season ever since Jurgen Klopp announced his shock intention to leave the club in January.

In the two months or so since then though, there has been little movement. With the Spaniard focused on completing an unprecedented season with Bayer Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich also circling, Alonso hasn’t committed one way or another.

But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, that doesn’t mean that things aren’t happening behind the scenes. Speaking on the JD Football YouTube channel yesterday, the reporter claimed that both Liverpool and Bayern are going to be involved in a ‘crazy battle’ in April.

“I’m sure that Liverpool will fight until the end to get Xabi Alonso,” Romano says. “I see Liverpool and Bayern really fighting for the Spanish manager. It’s going to be an interesting one in the upcoming weeks and months.

“Trust me, Liverpool and Bayern will really try their best, also Bayern are already pushing for that. So, it’s going to be a crazy battle I think in April.”

Liverpool set for Alonso battle
It’s good to hear that Liverpool are ready to engage with Bayern on Alonso. It really feels as though if it came down to a straight choice for the 42-year-old, then he’d pick the Reds.

Should they show any kind of reticence or hesitation though, then the German giants will sneak in and grab the upper hand. Liverpool can’t allow that to happen.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
There are reportedly still other managers on the shortlist at Anfield – Lens’ Franck Haise is one who’s been tentatively mentioned. But Alonso is the clear favourite.

If the World Cup winner does end up at Bayern, it will be a real blow to Liverpool in the early stages of the post-Klopp era.

Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Of course, they will have to keep their options open elsewhere though, and there are other good managers out there. They can’t wait forever for Alonso to make his decision.

With the end of the season fast approaching, April would feel like a good cut off point. After Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, Klopp’s last game will either be in the Premier League on May 19th, or the Europa League final three days later.

As Leverkusen also battle on three fronts, you can understand Alonso’s need for clarity. But the fact of the matter is that two massive clubs are waiting for his answer.

Liverpool have to have a back-up plan in place. But with the final stretch in sight, their former No.14 remains the one they really want.

Related Topics
FABRIZIO ROMANO
XABI ALONSO
RELATED POSTS
MORE IN NEWS
More in News

ABOUT US
EDITORIAL POLICY
AUTHORS
NEWSLETTER
CONTACT US
PRIVACY POLICY
COMPLAINTS
PRIVACY SETTINGS
a proud member of

© 2024 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved
GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes,
Cheshire, WA8 0WN
Company No. 04155089

A LIST OF EVERY PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERABOUTADVERTISINGALL-TIME CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOME LEAGUE TABLEALL-TIME CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TABLEALL-TIME CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TABLE BY COUNTRYALL-TIME PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER STATISTICSBLOGCONTACTEVERY PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTGAMES ATTENDEDHOMEMANAGERS PROMOTED TO THE PREMIER LEAGUEMY ACCOUNT – WEEK_PROPLANSSAMPLE PAGESKY PLAYER TEST
CONNECT WITH US

SportsView

FOOTBALLLiverpool set to confirm appointment of Richard Hughesby stevenmangan20 March 2024

Liverpool are set to confirm the appointment of Richard Hughes as their next Sporting Director as Fenway Sports Group looking to establish a new structure before the start of the summer transfer window.

The Reds have already appointed Michael Edwards as the CEO of the club, and Hughes, who left his position at AFC Bournemouth last month, is all set to join him.

INTER
LOADING OFFICIAL CONTENT
Lautaro’s three back-to-back 25-goal seasons
0 seconds of 1 minute, 28 seconds
Fabrizio Romano has suggested on X that “it’s all done” between Liverpool and Hughes, and the announcement is imminent.

“It’s all done between Liverpool and Richard Hughes since 15 days ago. Announcement, imminent,” wrote Romano.

“All documents are signed for new Liverpool director Richard Hughes to be unveiled as part of new Liverpool structure,” he added.

Liverpool have enjoyed great success under Jurgen Klopp who will leave the club at the end of the season, and having a proper structure has been a key factor behind the revolution.

Edwards, who previously worked as a Sporting Director at Liverpool, was instrumental in taking the Reds to a new height under Klopp. While the German boss deserves huge credit for the transformation at the club, the role played by Edwards has been equally significant.

How Liverpool can expect to operate under Edwards and Hughes
Edwards almost begged Klopp to sign Mohamed Salah and the rest is history. He has a keen eye for scouting players, and almost all of the signings made during his time have proved to be a roaring success.

Liverpool signed players like Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, and Fabinho among others who played a massive role in winning trophies for the club under Edwards’ leadership off the pitch.

The case of Gini Wijnaldum is another example that demonstrates the impact Edwards made in his previous stint. The Dutchman was primarily a winger when he played at Newcastle, but Edwards urged Klopp to convert him to a number eight, and we all know how it turned out.

The next manager will be looking to implement his own vision, but Edwards will now have more power to influence other aspects apart from player signings. Hughes will work under him and the duo are expected to oversee day to day running of the club.

The primary task for both of them will be to appoint a new manager. Former Liverpool player and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is emerging as a favourite candidate but Edwards and Hughes could look to other candidates as well.

RELATED TOPICSLIVERPOOLRICHARD HUGHES

Sports News 24/7
Latest Posts
Fabrizio Romano shares latest update on Liverpool pursuit of Johan BakayokoLiverpool set to confirm appointment of Richard HughesLiverpool in the hunt to sign Nottingham Forest defender MurilloJoe Rodon drops hint on future – Leeds United have to sign him permanentlyChelsea want Brentford striker Ivan Toney as Arsenal cool their interestMORE IN FOOTBALL
Fabrizio Romano shares latest update on Liverpool pursuit of Johan Bakayoko

Liverpool in the hunt to sign Nottingham Forest defender Murillo

Joe Rodon drops hint on future – Leeds United have to sign him permanently

Chelsea want Brentford striker Ivan Toney as Arsenal cool their interest

Football Contact About
Copyright © 2023 SportsView. All rights reserved.

HOME
NEWS
Photo by James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images
Michael Owen says he’s now changing his mind on big refereeing decision that went against Liverpool
Wed 20 March 2024 07:30
James Brooke
Liverpool have been on the receiving end of some utterly abysmal refereeing this season.

The decision to rule out a perfectly legitimate Luis Diaz goal against Tottenham Hotspur back in September may well go down as the worst use of VAR ever seen in the sport.

Meanwhile, who could forget the time Martin Odegaard chose to start playing basketball in the Anfield box in December. The call that day? No penalty, of course.

So, when Alexis Mac Allister was hacked down by Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku in the final seconds of their epic 1-1 draw recently, did anyone really expect a Liverpool penalty?

One man who seemingly didn’t was Michael Owen. However, speaking on the Premier League’s Match Officials Mic’d Up segment with PGMOL head honcho Howard Webb, Owen says he’s since changed his mind. He thinks it was a penalty.

“I thought it sort of wasn’t at the start, I see it again and I’m thinking it is!” laughed the former Liverpool striker. “I’m really 50/50 on it.”

Webb clears up Liverpool decision
This is obviously a useful little segment from the Premier League. However, releasing the audio from decisions such as this one can often lead to more questions than answers.

This incident is no different. From the real-time conversations between officials, it’s clear that they believe Doku got some of the ball before clattering Mac Allister. There’s also a bizarre claim that they ‘both come in high.’

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Listening to the referees speak amongst themselves, maybe there is some truth to Ben Foster’s claim that the Liverpool man would have won a penalty had he not turned his back slightly on Doku.

In terms of Webb himself, he suggests that without the incident being especially clear either way, the officials followed protocol by not getting involved.

Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
“It’s split a lot of opinion it’s one of those for sure,” Webb explains to Owen. “If the referee gives it on the field it would have been a check complete by the VAR. And equally, having not given it, it’s also check complete.

“The ball is too low to head. Doku lifts his foot to play the ball and he does make contact on the ball. Yes, we know there’s some contact on Mac Allister as well, he’s not really playing the ball either.

“I understand why it’s split opinion, I think it would have been check complete either way. Not wanting to re-referee the game in situations that are not really clear, which is what we think VAR is for. In this situation the VAR stays out of it, I think that’s what we’d expect.”

Some will agree with that, plenty will disagree. As for Owen – and even Webb – it sounds like they’re still not sure!

Related Topics
MANCHESTER CITY
MICHAEL OWEN
RELATED POSTS
MORE IN NEWS
More in News

ABOUT US
EDITORIAL POLICY
AUTHORS
NEWSLETTER
CONTACT US
PRIVACY POLICY
COMPLAINTS
PRIVACY SETTINGS
a proud member of

© 2024 GRV Media Ltd. All Rights Reserved
GRV Media Ltd, 18 Mulberry Avenue, Widnes,
Cheshire, WA8 0WN
Company No. 04155089

Great Lost to M Salah, Open For Full Story 👇

liverpoolechoLoad mobile navigation

BUY A PAPER
FUNERAL NOTICES
JOBS
VOUCHER CODES
PROPERTY
DIRECTORY
ADVERTISE WITH US
REACHSPORTSHOP
BOOK AN AD
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Liverpool have simple answer to Trent Alexander-Arnold dilemma after injury update
Does Trent Alexander-Arnold come straight back into the Liverpool team? Our writers have their say

SHARE
ByJoe RimmerHead of FootballPaul GorstLiverpool FC correspondent
04:00, 20 MAR 2024
Bookmark

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Follow the latest transfer news and more with our LFC newsletter

Subscribe
More Newsletters
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
Liverpool are hoping to have Trent Alexander-Arnold back in time for the Premier League clash against Brighton at Anfield on March 31.

The Reds’ vice-captain has been out since suffering a reoccurrence of a knee injury during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Burnley at Anfield in early February. Alexander-Arnold had to be substituted at half-time after the problem flared up. He’d already spent three weeks on the sidelines with the problem.

His return will come as a boost for Liverpool but also a dilemma for Jurgen Klopp, who has Conor Bradley performing well at right-back, Joe Gomez as another option and a midfield trio also in good form.

Our ECHO panel has their say on how Alexander-Arnold should be used when he returns:

READ MORE: I don’t buy Liverpool theory – Man Utd can’t be allowed to get away with it again

READ MORE: ‘Tired and irritated’ – Man Utd star responds to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s angry interview reaction

MOST READ
1

Liverpool centre-back establishing himself in ‘top five defenders in Europe’ while on loan
2
‘You can’t do that’ – Jamie Carragher has no sympathy for hated team-mate who rejected Liverpool
3
Man United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe reluctantly names who he’d like to win title out of Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal
Paul Gorst – Bradley has been superb but Alexander-Arnold quality might make all the difference

First all, kudos for Conor Bradley for making hay while the sun has shone in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence.

The West Derby-born defender has been in and out of the side the majority of 2024 and while he has been away, Bradley has stepped up to the plate, massively.

The Northern Ireland international has surely made himself a part of the senior squad going forward and there will be few qualms whenever he is included next season, provided the new manager sees what has been evident since he was thrust into the team after Alexander-Arnold’s injury.

But, having said all of that, the imminent return of Alexander-Arnold will be huge for the Reds as they look to really turn the screw in this Premier League title race for the final 10 games.

A fit and ready Alexander-Arnold will unlock opposition defences and while the debate will probably never subside as far as his long-term position goes, seeing the No.66 back in his hybrid role will fill everyone connected to the club with confidence.

The Brighton game on March 31 has been circled as the England international’s tentative return date and just imagine how much his creativity will aid the cause in the final two months.

Joe Rimmer – Klopp’s answer is very simple

The answer to Jurgen Klopp’s selection dilemma with Trent Alexander-Arnold is very simple: put him straight back into the starting line-up.

DON’T MISS
Liverpool defender returns to AXA Training Centre for treatment after injury blow
Everton points deduction farce exposed by single absurd paragraph buried deep in Nottingham Forest explanation
City break is one of ‘the best’ you can fly to from Liverpool Airport for £27
It’s often forgotten – or conveniently overlooked – just how good Trent is and his importance to Liverpool cannot be denied. He was just getting into his stride when the initial knee problem struck and let’s remind ourselves that it was his influence that ignited a change in fortunes for Liverpool this time last year.

Yes, Conor Bradley has impressed and Joe Gomez is a dependable defensive option, but Trent gives Liverpool a completely different threat and could be akin to a secret weapon in the Premier League run-in.

That sort of quality is rare and needs to be harnessed as Liverpool try to end the season in the best possible way.

READ NEXT:

Liverpool centre-back establishing himself in ‘top five defenders in Europe’ while on loan
‘You can’t do that’ – Jamie Carragher has no sympathy for hated team-mate who rejected Liverpool
City break is one of ‘the best’ you can fly to from Liverpool Airport for £27
Marks and Spencer’s ‘no slip’ summer sandals shoppers say will ‘last years’
Man United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe reluctantly names who he’d like to win title out of Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal
Follow Liverpool Echo
Facebook
Twitter
Comment
Loading…
MORE ON
Liverpool FCTrent Alexander-ArnoldConor Bradley
Up Next

Liverpool centre-back establishing himself in ‘top five defenders in Europe’ while on loan
SPORT
ALL
TOP STORIES
Ryanair-friendly cabin bag set falls to eye-catching price in Amazon Spring Deal Days sale
TRAVEL
Get £300 off an ‘amazing’ Oral-B electric toothbrush that’s ‘the best life upgrade ever’
AMAZON
Van firm will pay £100k a year to store its vans that are ‘ruining’ seafront
WALLASEY
Man’s jaw broken in ‘vicious attack’ outside McCooley’s
CRIME
People believed him because he’d ‘gained a good reputation’ but he was lying to them all
COURTS
Liverpool gas leak update as multiple roads remain closed
VAUXHALL
Man named as sixth person charged in connection with teenager’s murder
MERSEYSIDE POLICE
BREAKING: Costco and Home Bargains evacuated and major road closed – live updates
MERSEYSIDE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Merseyrail is moving into the modern era….about time too
MERSEYRAIL
Smell of man smoking cannabis leads police to large drug stash
WAVERTREE
Disused site to become site of 130 new home in £33m development
SEFTON COUNCIL
Air ambulance lands at primary school after ‘concern for safety’ of boy
MERSEYSIDE POLICE
NEWS
WHAT’S ON
SPORT
IN YOUR AREA
LIVERPOOL FC
EVERTON FC
CELEBS
BUSINESS
FOLLOW US
InYourArea
mynewsassistant
Discount Codes
Beauty Box Subscription
Marketplace
Our RSS feeds
Contact Us
About Us
Work for us
Advertise with us
Public Notices
Mirror Bingo
Buy a photo
How to Complain
Corrections & Clarifications
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Notice
AI Notice
Cookie Notice
Newsletters Signup
Syndication & Licensing
Do not sell or share my data
© 2024 a Reach plc subsidiary

FootballFanCast logo
Log in
TRENDING
TRANSFER RUMOURS
PREMIER LEAGUE
EUROPEAN LEAGUES
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
EUROPA LEAGUE
EURO 2024
MORE
Join Our Team
Newsletter
Advertise With Us
Log In
Join Our Content Team
Home
Contact Us
Terms
Privacy
Legal
About Us
Owned & Operated by Valnet Inc.
Copyright © 2024 www.footballfancast.com
Edwards could break Liverpool’s transfer record to sign Bellingham 2.0
BY
ANGUS SINCLAIR
PUBLISHED 9 HOURS AGO
Life after Klopp would begin with a bang if this world-class talent were to sign in the summer.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham
Liverpool might have fallen in the FA Cup against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon but Jurgen Klopp’s side remain confident of finding success in the Premier League and Europa League, with the Carabao Cup already bagged.

After years of brilliant football, Klopp will leave the club at the end of the campaign after winning a host of honours such as the Premier League and Champions League and reviving Anfield after it had fallen into disrepair in the years preceding the German’s appointment.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
While a successor has yet to be clinched, Michael Edwards has returned as FSG’s new CEO of football, with Richard Hughes assuming the role of sporting director, and appears to be lining up a first-rate talent to confirm Liverpool’s desire to remain at the forefront of the European game.

Michael Edwards’ top transfer targets for Liverpool
Granted, it’s a little early to gauge who could be moving to Merseyside during the off-season, but that has not stopped the rumour mill from spinning into overdrive, with Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg confirming that the Reds are among the contenders for Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich.

The 29-year-old is not the only Bayern Munich player on the radar, however, with more exciting news that Liverpool are hot in pursuit of Jamal Musiala, according to SPORT BILD’s Christian Falk.

jamal-musiala-bayern-munich-premier-league
Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in a move, but Bayern are desperate to keep the attacking midfielder in Bavaria and have slapped a £100m asking price on his name, eclipsing Liverpool’s club record £85m fee paid for Darwin Nunez.

The Bundesliga champions, who trail Bayer Leverkusen by ten points this season, hope to agree fresh terms with the 21-year-old, who is out of contract in 2026, but with such enticing suitors lurking, Liverpool have the perfect chance to pounce.

Liverpool-Carabao-Cup-Final
RELATED
The stunning lineup Michael Edwards could build by rejoining Liverpool
Why Liverpool should sign Jamal Musiala
Musiala signed for Bayern from Chelsea back in 2019 as a 16-year-old after rejecting a long-term offer at Stamford Bridge, and it’s hard to argue that the German-born starlet made the wrong decision.

Still in the maiden phase of his professional career, Musiala has posted 43 goals and 30 assists across 156 senior appearances for Bayern Munich, with his prodigious performances leading to praise over his “exceptional” emergence from former Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn.

Jamal Musiala for Bayer