​Michael Edwards has left the Fenway Sports Group once again. The former Liverpool sporting director returned to the fold in 2024 as part of the post-Jurgen Klopp shakeup. During his first stint in charge he delivered signings such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThose names paved the way for unprecedented success under Klopp – before Edwards left in 2022.Part of his remit coming back under the umbrella would be hiring a new sporting director. He went for long-term confidante Richard Hughes – who moved into the role having left his post as Bournemouth’s technical director.It paid dividends immediately.Hughes played a prominent role in hiring Arne Slot – who won the Premier League title in his maiden campaign in charge.The Scottish executive was then tasked with overseeing big changes in the 2025 summer transfer window. Around £180m worth of sales were made – including favourites like Caoimhin Kelleher and Luis Diaz.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd Hughes conducted a record-breaking transfer spending spree – adding £450m worth of talent.He broke the British record twice in deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak – lavishing big sums on others such as Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike. leaving plenty of question marks against Hughes’ legacy.The 46-year-old is now effectively working his notice – although his original contract expires in 2027. Hughes is expected to join Al Hilal once this current transfer period is over – bringing the curtain down on a mixed spell at the helm.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIndeed it now appears as though his work is looked at unfavourably if a report from the trusted James Pearce in the Athletic is to be believed.Contrasted with the exit of Edwards – whose decisions have been spot on and whose exit is more to do with a failure to land a second team for a multi-club empire – Hughes’ endeavours are not rated as highly.Bet £10, Get £30 in Free BetsOpen an account and place a qualifying bet of £10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.18+New UK/ROI customers. Min £5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at £10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement£30 FREECLAIM NOW18+Gambling can be addictive — please only bet what you can afford to lose. For free support visitBeGambleAware.org or call 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). Self-exclude at GAMSTOP.co.uk. AnfieldWatch is not a licensed betting operator. Offers subject to change.“He leaves with the legacy of having delivered a largely excellent transfer record working beside Klopp and then the kudos of appointing the sporting director who recruited Klopp’s successor in Arne Slot, who promptly delivered a Premier League title in his first season,” the report reads of Edwa