transfers · Europe

Hughes Appointed at Al-Hilal as Newcastle Outline Howe Departure Plan

Former Liverpool director Richard Hughes moves to the Saudi Pro League, while Ross Wilson reveals Newcastle prepared for Eddie Howe's exit for months.

ReportedNews·2026-09-08·3 min

Written by GFR Transfer Desk · AR001036

Recent reporting from British media outlets has outlined key administrative movements across English and international football, focusing on executive shifts involving Liverpool and Newcastle United.

Hughes Takes Up Role at Al-Hilal

According to a report by The Guardian, Richard Hughes has been appointed as the new sporting director of Al-Hilal. The Saudi Pro League club confirmed the appointment on Sunday, bringing an end to Hughes's two-year tenure at Liverpool.

The outlet noted that Hughes joins the executive ranks in Saudi Arabia at a club whose current squad includes high-profile players such as Martinelli, Summerville, and Watkins.

Wilson Details Newcastle Transition

In a separate report published by BBC Sport, Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson addressed the departure of former head coach Eddie Howe. Wilson disclosed that the club had been actively preparing for Howe's exit for up to nine months prior to his departure.

While these managerial and executive developments have been detailed by the respective media outlets, further operational specifics regarding both clubs remain unconfirmed beyond the published statements.

Sources

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