​There are big changes coming for Liverpool’s leadership. Andoni Iraola was appointed new head coach in June – inking a two-year deal. But above his head alterations are being made over the course of this off-season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMichael Edwards has left his post as Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football. The former Reds’ sporting director returned to the fold back in 2024 as part of the post-Jurgen Klopp shakeup.He brought with him Richard Hughes – a long-time ally who was given the post as sporting director. Hughes oversaw the appointment of Arne Slot and last summer conducted £450m worth of transfer spending.Liverpool have got worse – not better – since those changes were made and Hughes is under more scrutiny than ever.He turned to Bournemouth’s Iraola as his choice for new head coach – but it is likely that Hughes will not spend any significant time working alongside the Spaniard.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s been reported that the Scottish exec is set to follow Edwards out of the club – despite both of them holding contracts until 2027.And while Edwards’ departure was abrupt there is a delay hanging over Hughes.The former Bournemouth technical director is not expected to be offered a new contract at Liverpool nor is it likely that he will see out his current one.In fact he has been linked for quite some time with a move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal – where he would be working with former Cherries’ colleague Simon Francis.Right now Hughes remains in his role to carry out this summer’s important transfer business. Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have come to Merseyside but there are significant gaps to address in the squad.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFurthermore Hughes has got several contracts to solve ahead of key expiry dates in 2027.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.org£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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA report in the Daily Mail now claims that a date has been set for the sporting director’s departure. Once this window has closed – on September 1 – we can expect Hughes to move to Saudi Arabia.“Liverpool will have to commence a search for a new sporting director, too,” the report reads.“Incumbent Hughes, whose contract is due to expire in 2027, is expected to move to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.“The man who sacked Arne Slot and appointed Iraola as his replac