As another transfer window threatens to pass Liverpool by without major incident, are questions about Richard Hughes’ role valid?
THE Richard Hughes derby awaits.
That’s not going to land. Probably like this piece, given the subject matter.
It’s never wise to take the temperature of your team’s transfer business from social media platforms.
A quick scan of the Liverpool Sporting Director’s name will imbue the notion that Hughes is on a luxurious holiday during the transfer window. Some say Italy, others Maldives.
Part of me wishes this is true. That he’s stuck an annual leave request in for mid-January on September 1, either blissfully unaware or for sheer needle.
OK, I know there are three very serious contract issues at Liverpool which remain unresolved. They leave me curious (I don’t get worried about millionaires, sorry) as the next person.
I would like Liverpool to sign a central midfielder, but that probably won’t happen before 11pm on Monday.
Instead, we’re all left wondering why the poker face is still being held. What is the plan? Hughes, as he enjoys a gelato on the Amalfi coast or, more likely sits in his office in Liverpool, will see the chess board clearer than any of us.
But it’s difficult being told to wait. Inaction at Liverpool breeds anxiety, especially when the stakes are now so high for 2024-25.
We have very little to go off – apart from an opportunistic signing in Federico Chiesa, which leaves Hughes true to his few words, and some smart sales.
This is somewhat in line with his Bournemouth Modus Operandi. Hughes was said to have an eye for those ‘sidelined’ by their clubs who represented value, or young players from lower leagues who represent market and sell-on value.
As we lineup against Bournemouth tomorrow, the likes of Milos Kerkez, Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert will represent dangerous opponents who also embody Hughes’ eye for a player.
The question of what supporters want remains open to interpretation. Liverpool are approaching the final quarter of a phenomenal season which promises so much.
Hughes had a major hand in recruiting a brilliant head coach in Arne Slot and the current squad looks healthy and confident.
We want the contract situations resolved, but the only way they’re resolved suitably in public is by announcing all three are staying. Any announcement of senior players leaving now carries a huge derailment risk. An announcement of one or two puts the spotlight on whoever remains. The PR around this will be huge.
Transfers are always desired, but there needs to be strategy. Liverpool aren’t Manchester United, currently trying to correct their own recruitment mistakes.
Nor are they Arsenal; going all in on a 29-year-old forward with a brilliant record against them.
Nor are they Manchester City, desperately trying to create transfer fixes for a wretched season while still playing it.
They broke character once for Moises Caicedo, but with Michael Edwards back you can expect more stubbornness and gaming of the system.
Hughes issues aren’t unfamiliar in football. The concept of sporting directors is slowly becoming as noteworthy and important as managers.
People want the best ones, the biggest names. They want the hardest negotiators and the most frivolous. United brought in an army of them this summer. I’m not sure that is going too well.
That’s not to say they should be shunted from responsibility. Slot, for example, should be able to defer all contract and transfer-related queries to Hughes. This is his domain; he should be the one to provide accountability.
The strategy will become much clearer this summer. Liverpool may face a huge rebuilding task on the back of being champions. They may consolidate and build gradually with what they have.
In the meantime, it may be better to direct your attention to Bournemouth rather than Bergamo for answers this weekend.
Buy Dan Morgan’s book ‘Jürgen Said To Me’ on Klopp, Liverpool and the remaking of a city…
