4 positions Richard Hughes must start with at Liverpool

Liverpool are widely expected to confirm Richard Hughes as their new sporting director this month. Here are four positions he must look at.

Liverpool are very close to appointing their new sporting director with Bournemouth's Richard Hughes expected to take the role. The Telegraph explains that he could finalise the details in the coming days.

So what's on the agenda? Hughes will lead the charge for recruitment this summer and it's going to be a complicated one. After all, a new manager will arrive and potentially with a completely new way of playing.

With that in mind, it's difficult to predict what's to come this summer but there are still four positions that Hughes must look at.

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Goalkeeper

No, there's no danger of Alisson Becker departing. The 'problem' is that Caoimhin Kelleher is playing fantastically well and may want a move this summer.

Kelleher is Liverpool's no.2 and not particularly close to overhauling Alisson as no.1. His contract runs until 2026, meaning this is the last summer where the Reds can demand his full value.

If he does want to leave and finally become first-choice somewhere, Liverpool may agree to it. That would necessitate a new no.2 and Hughes must be prepared, just in case.

Centre-back

Liverpool have a decision to make this summer with Joel Matip. The Cameroonian is out of contract, while also rehabbing a serious knee injury. He turns 33 at the start of next season and it's difficult to imagine a new contract is on the way.

Thus the Reds probably need a new centre-back. There's also another consideration here - Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim. The pair of them are strongly linked with the Liverpool manager's job and both play with three centre backs.

If either wants to build a similar system at Anfield, the Reds need at least one more option.

Defensive midfield

Every top team needs a defensive midfielder and Liverpool have one - Wataru Endo. Only, they literally only have one natural in the position.

Stefan Bajcetic may have a bright future there, admittedly, but he's been absent for a long, long time. Liverpool can't really afford to put their future in the position in his hands.

Now, Endo has been a revelation since arriving as a last-choice addition in August. It's entirely possible that Hughes and co. decide to go with him as the first-choice option next season. But given the fact he's now 31, means the Reds almost certainly have a look at a potential long-term signing this summer.

Even if they ultimately back Endo.

Right-wing

Liverpool can't rely on Mohamed Salah forever but he remains their only natural, out-and-out winger on the right. Harvey Elliott is probably best-placed as backup but he plays the role completely differently.

So with Salah turning 32 in June, combined with him battling injuries in 2024, Liverpool must see what's out there as natural cover.

And that's before we tackle how to handle a potential mega-money offer from Saudi Arabia...