Liverpool fans apologise to Richard Hughes as big Anfield news emerges - 'Hats off'

Richard Hughes has been subject to intense criticism since joining Liverpool as their new sporting director.

The former Bournemouth executive inherited a brutal situation in which three of the Anfield outfit's best players were out of contract in the summer.

He was also slammed for a lack of action in the transfer market last summer and in the winter window as the Reds chose to stick with the same squad.

However, opinions on the 45-year-old are beginning to change after he signed Mohamed Salah to a new deal and a new update dropped on Virgil van Dijk.

Van Dijk signs new deal at Liverpool

Most of the uncertainty surrounding the big three at Liverpool has now been ended with just Trent Alexander-Arnold's situation left to deal with.

Van Dijk has signed a two-year extension to keep him on Merseyside until 2027 and put an end to speculation surrounding his future.

Arne Slot can now plan for the future knowing that two of his key assets will not be going anywhere next season.

Liverpool fans retract Hughes criticism after Van Dijk update

Hughes have faced a ridiculous amount of criticism in his first year on the job with the Reds.

Supporters were particularly incensed when Manchester City signed Omar Marmoush in January while the L4 outfit sat still and did nothing to strengthen but they have been forced to concede on this occasion.

However, that move looks like a masterstroke with Slot's side set to win the Premier League title provided that they do not endure a huge slip-up in the final few weeks.

Now that the future of two of their best stars is sorted, the Merseysiders can focus on putting their plans together for the summer and revamping the team to go for the biggest honours again next season.

Hughes deserves credit, he has not allowed the negative noise to affect his job and has gone about the renewals behind the scenes, with nothing leaking to the press before it was announced by the club.

He has passed the first part of the test but business during the offseason may be the defining moment of his reign at Anfield.