Saudi giants Al Hilal have reportedly agreed to a key condition set by Scottish executive Richard Hughes, bringing him a step closer to becoming the club's new sporting director.
According to reports from Saudi media, Al Hilal's management has accepted Hughes' request to allow several members of his backroom team to arrive in Riyadh ahead of his official start date. The group would immediately begin working on the club's summer transfer plans and oversee recruitment operations until Hughes formally assumes his role in September.
The decision marks a significant shift in negotiations, as Al Hilal had initially been reluctant to approve the arrangement. However, both parties have now moved closer to reaching a final agreement.
Hughes is expected to travel to Riyadh on June 14 or 15 for meetings with club officials, during which he will present his strategic vision for the next phase of the club's development. While his assistants begin implementing those plans on the ground, Hughes is expected to return in September to take full control of sporting operations from the club's headquarters.
One of the most notable figures expected to join Hughes in Riyadh is Simon Francis, the current sporting director of AFC Bournemouth. Francis is reportedly set to oversee several key projects, including discussions surrounding the coaching staff and the future of head coach Simone Inzaghi.
Reports indicate that Hughes and his team have been Al Hilal's preferred choice since the club began searching for a new sporting director. Despite considering multiple candidates, the club's leadership remained convinced that the Scottish executive was the ideal figure to lead the sporting project.
Hughes brings extensive experience in football management. He first established himself as sporting director at Bournemouth in 2016 before joining Liverpool FC Official Website in 2024, where he succeeded Jörg Schmadtke in the same role.
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