Liverpool are preparing for another change in their football leadership following the departure of sporting director Richard Hughes, while Liverpool FC Women begin their 2026-27 Women’s Super League season away to Charlton Athletic today. The men’s first team now has a short break before opening its Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
Liverpool begin search for new sporting director
Liverpool are looking for a new sporting director after Richard Hughes formally left the club following the close of the summer transfer window.
The Guardian reported on Saturday that Hughes had informed Liverpool earlier in the year of his intention to leave and remained in his role through the transfer window before departing. He is expected to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. (The Guardian)
Hughes joined Liverpool in 2024 after previously serving as technical director at Bournemouth. His appointment was made by Michael Edwards as part of the club’s football operations restructure. (Liverpool FC)
According to The Guardian, FSG president Mike Gordon is leading the process to identify Hughes’ replacement. Liverpool’s broader football structure remains in place with Julian Ward, Pedro Marques, David Woodfine and Barry Hunter continuing in senior roles. (The Guardian)
Liverpool Women begin WSL season at Charlton
Liverpool FC Women open their Women’s Super League campaign away to newly promoted Charlton Athletic at The Valley today.
The match kicks off at 2pm BST. Liverpool enter the new season under Gareth Taylor after completing their pre-season programme unbeaten. (Liverpool FC)
Liverpool’s official match preview notes that the Reds are unbeaten against Charlton in all competitions during the WSL era, with four wins and two draws since 2011. The sides most recently met in last season’s FA Cup quarter-final when Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Liverpool FC Beta)
Charlton conceded only 21 goals in the 2025-26 WSL2 season and kept eight clean sheets on their way to promotion. (Liverpool FC Beta)
Injury concerns for Taylor’s squad
Liverpool will be without Anna Josendal for today’s WSL opener after she suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season.
Taylor confirmed the injury does not require surgery but will keep the attacker sidelined for a period of time. (Liverpool FC)
Summer signing Mari Ward is a doubt while Lucy Parry is also unlikely to be ready. Sophie Roman Haug has returned to full training but is not yet available for selection. (Liverpool FC)
Mao Itamura is also sidelined after undergoing abdominal surgery. The Japan youth international had originally been due to miss the opening weeks of the season while representing her country at the U20 Women’s World Cup but was forced to withdraw from the tournament. (Liverpool FC)
Atletico Madrid next for men’s team
Liverpool’s men’s side now turns its attention to the Champions League following Friday’s 2-0 Premier League win at Ipswich Town.
Andoni Iraola’s side hosts Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, September 9 in its opening league-phase fixture of the 2026-27 competition.
The Reds then return to Premier League action against Fulham at Anfield on Saturday, September 12.
Transfer window now closed
There were no significant new first-team transfer developments reported by the club or leading national football sources in the past 24 hours following the close of the summer window.
Liverpool completed their major deadline-period business earlier in the week, including the signing of Bradley Barcola and deals involving Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic and several younger players.
Sources: Liverpool FC and The Guardian.
Liverpool FC – LFC Women team news
Liverpool FC – Women’s fixtures
The Guardian – Liverpool begin search for new sporting director
