Has Richard Hughes Failed in His Recruitment Duties?

I find myself too often attempting to defend the methods undertaken by the new Liverpool Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, as he navigates his way through his initial Anfield-based transfer window. Though I am only too aware of the distant oversight offered by the clubs’ controversial American owners, FSG, the group have still offered stability and reliability throughout their watch. The notion that they have failed in their duties is a misleading take on the situation, especially when you consider the horrendous stewardship of the notorious former owners, Hicks and Gillett. After overseeing the revitalization of Anfield, a new Training Centre, internal structure building, and a plethora of silverware, the Boston Red Sox owners have marshalled the near-complete rejuvenation of a club which was once idling towards mid-table mediocrity.

The Role of Michael Edwards in Liverpool’s Leadership

By appointing the former Sporting Director, Michael Edwards, to the role of Sporting CEO, it was a clear indication that John Henry and co had demanded a brilliant executive to engineer the generation of the Merseyside giants. As the former CEO, Mike Gordan, took a back seat in duties, it enabled one of the most respected operators in football (Edwards) to marshal one of Europe’s greatest-ever football institutions, as well as oversee a potential formulation of a multi-club model. Though many supporters may grumble at the perceived importance of executives (carrying out their duties) away from the pitch, the undeniable truth is that the world’s leading sport has become far more complex than that which was viewed in the past. The demand for immediate and sustained success can only be achieved with superb leadership and an elite infrastructure. One only has to look at the circus of events that have unfolded at Barcelona, Manchester United, and Chelsea (in the last few years), to see how badly things can go wrong for even the most famous of brands. Manchester City have achieved unparalleled success through sports washing and deceit, which is something that is set to be punished in the coming months. This is something that would never be allowed by the Fenway Sports Group, which makes trophy comparisons a needless matter. The need for professional football executives is vital to growth, which is why I trust in the long-term vision of the new hierarchy and refuse to start pointing fingers at the newly appointed Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, despite the accusations of a frustrated fanbase.

Assessing Richard Hughes’ Recruitment Strategy

Following two comprehensive wins in Liverpool’s opening pair of Premier League games, it is fair to say that the appointment of the former Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot, has brought renewed encouragement to the support. Despite being an appointment which surprised most, it is clear that a thorough analysis was carried out by the key decision-makers to ensure the right man was selected. Regarding the former Bournemouth Technical Director, Richard Hughes, his own experience (or lack at the highest level) raised even more questions, essentially given the huge responsibilities he would be undertaking. If the failed bid to sign Real Sociedad midfielder, Martín Zubimendi, had succeeded, that would have been a tremendous start to incoming business, however, the fallout in the aftermath of his rejection has already put monumental pressure on the 45-year-old Glaswegian. Despite news arriving on Tuesdays that a deal has been confirmed for the ultra-promising Valencia stopper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, that acquisition will see the giant keeper remain at his current setting on at least a season-long loan, thereby adding nothing substantial to the present.

The Urgent Need for a Defensive Midfielder

As it stands, the bare minimum requirement must still be to target and successfully recruit a specialist defensive midfielder. Having failed to land the Spanish European Championship winner, Zubimendi, a list of secondary targets must now be considered by the Director of Football. We have all witnessed how Ryan Gravenberch has been impressive thus far, however, his inability to consistently carry out the bespoke aspects of the position make a reliance on the forward-thinking middle man a huge risk. Ultimately, two good performances against Ipswich and Brentford are not the answer to a season-long shielding endeavour, which is exactly why a £60m offer was tabled for Sociedad’s star man in the first place.

Will Hughes’ Recruitment Efforts Be Enough?

The immediate impact of new signings would enable much needed depth as well as galvanizing the frustrated fanbase. With just a few days remaining until the summer transfer window closes, the short tenure of the reds new recruitment general has thus far underwhelmed and unless at least one signing is made to bolster that problematic middle ground, then failure would be the unavoidable outcome.

Steven Smith