Richard Hughes: Why Liverpool’s ‘forensic’ new sporting director could ‘flourish’ at Anfield

Hughes began his playing days as a junior for Atalanta in Italy before moving back to the UK at 18. He also worked as a co-commentator for BT Sport upon retirement from playing, regularly working on the big Sunday-night games from Serie A.

His father Kevin was an agent and scout based in Milan and represented his son throughout his playing career. Taylor says that was “hugely important in Richard’s development because he had a mentor in his father who understood how to identify a player, but also how to negotiate a contract”.

“Richard is multi-lingual, fluent in Italian and French and he has a high academic IQ but also an extremely high footballing IQ in terms of leadership, negotiation and technical observation,” says Taylor.

He believes the transition from Klopp and his backroom staff, including short-term sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, will be “easier than people anticipate” given the respect Hughes has in the game, his network of contacts and the autonomy he has been given at Bournemouth.

“Richard isn’t data-led or data-driven but he’s data-influenced,” says Taylor, “which is pivotal to the blueprint that Michael Edwards has implemented at Liverpool.”

Taylor, who is head of football operations for an American capital investment fund, believes Hughes will already have his “preferred candidates” to succeed Klopp.

Bayer Leverkusen manager and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is among the favourites for the job, and his Spanish agent Inaki Ibanez is a close connection of Hughes, given he also represents Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

Hughes is also known to be an admirer of Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi and had identified him as a potential replacement when Scott Parker left Bournemouth – but his contract situation with Shakhtar Donetsk at the time proved problematic.

Taylor added: “There is no doubt in my mind that Richard will be a success at Liverpool. With Michael by his side, he will flourish”.