Michael Edwards comments as Liverpool confirm Richard Hughes

Liverpool have confirmed Richard Hughes as their sporting director in an announcement on Wednesday. Michael Edwards quickly commented.

Liverpool have confirmed Richard Hughes as their new sporting director. Hughes takes over the role vacated by Jorg Schmadtke, who held the position on a one-year contract but departed in January.

This is the latest step from the Reds in their rebuild. Jurgen Klopp's exit necessitated change at the club and Michael Edwards was brought back as FSG's CEO of football as the first step.

Edwards has now overseen Hughes's hiring as sporting director, his old job, and it's one that has been expected over the last few weeks. The 44-year-old had announced recently that he'd step down from Bournemouth as their technical director, allowing him to step into a new role.

He'd been involved with the Cherries for a decade and now makes the step up into a more senior role with Liverpool. Hughes will officially take over on June 1st.

Michael Edwards on Richard Hughes

Edwards and Hughes actually go back some way, with the pair working together while Hughes was a player at Portsmouth. Edwards got his first big break at the south coast club and the two have known each other since.

And so it should be no surprise that Edwards gave a glowing review with his first comments on Hughes.

READ MORE: Who is Richard Hughes? Liverpool's incoming sporting director

“I’m delighted Richard has agreed to join us in this vitally important position," he said, per Liverpoolfc.com.

“I’ve known him for half of my life in a professional and personal capacity and he is absolutely someone who embodies the best values of Liverpool FC. I trust him completely.

“He has outstanding judgement and a track record of making smart decisions which benefit the organisations he represents.

“Both Richard and I are aware of the weight of responsibility that comes with working in this capacity for a club such as this. The fact he is excited and energised by the challenge ahead is important.

“It is clear to everyone that Jürgen will leave a legacy to build upon and in Richard we have the right person to make the key decisions and offer the leadership to take us forward into a bright future.

“As one very successful chapter will come to a close for Liverpool in the summer, the objective of everyone here is for another one to begin – and with Richard I am confident we have the right person in position for us to achieve this aim.”

With this, Liverpool now move into the next phase of their overhaul - the manager.