Liverpool fans all say the same thing about Richard Hughes amid Anfield exit
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has redeemed himself in recent months.
The 45-year-old had been criticised after the Reds’ business last summer, when they only signed Federico Chiesa.
He also came under fire for the contract sagas involving Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk but eventually sorted the latter two deals and squeezed £10million from Real Madrid for the former.
He has since secured deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz but his latest transfer deal may be the most impressive yet.
Liverpool set to finally sell Phillips
Nat Phillips looks set to finally leave Liverpool after years of loan spells away without a permanent exit.
The ‘Bolton Baresi’ as he is affectionately known by the Anfield faithful featured regularly under Jurgen Klopp in the 2020-21 season but has never truly broke into the first-team.
| Competitions (Liverpool) | Phillips’ appearances |
| Premier League | 19 |
| Champions League | 5 |
| FA Cup | 2 |
| Carabao Cup | 3 |
| Total | 29 |
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Derby and has not played for the Merseysiders since the FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves in 2023.
Telegraph journalist John Percy reported (23 April) that Phillips was closing in on a move to Championship outfit West Brom.
Hughes finally coming good for Liverpool
Hughes was ridiculed by Liverpool supporters as he settled into the role but it has ultimately proved to be a brilliant appointment.
His reign started with the hiring of Arne Slot, which in hindsight, was a masterclass but the failed pursuit of the now Arsenal-bound Martin Zubimendi, had some fans calling for his head, and the pressure only expanded as the contract sagas dragged on towards the end of the season.
Now, however, Fenway Sports Group‘s decision to bring back Michael Edwards, who brought the former Portsmouth defender to Merseyside, looks increasingly like a masterstroke.
Is there anything Richard Hughes CAN’T do?!?! #LFC https://t.co/kcQ7en04QP
— Aamir (@AamirLFC_) June 23, 2025
Only Richard Hughes could come in and get Nat Phillips a permanent move straight away
— Zaan (@ZaanTalksFooty) June 23, 2025
This might be Richard Hughes’ greatest feat yet
— Miri (@lfcM1r1) June 23, 2025
Richard Hughes pic.twitter.com/PuYqeVYZvk
— AK.47 (@AK474690) June 23, 2025
Richard Hughes finally getting rid of him? Build him a statue. https://t.co/PXYzZfO8N1
— KJ (@KJ_1310) June 23, 2025
Richard hughes is an alien https://t.co/el4YQlb9R7
— Marty (@Marty93pr) June 23, 2025
WE ARE FREE pic.twitter.com/HBdNH4G0ZH
— Con (@ConLFC_2002) June 23, 2025
You know this transfer window special when we finally let him go permanently 🤣
— B (@B7756811716346) June 23, 2025
Hughes doing mass cleaning
— liverpoolkun (@liverpool_kun) June 23, 2025
You’ve got a real hero coming to ye baggies lads, Nat Maldini, youll never be forgotten 🥹
— Sam (@SamLFCYNWA) June 23, 2025
Hughes has put the Reds in a great position to expand on their Premier League title success from last season, and it seems that supporters are finally coming around to him after a shaky start.
Securing an exit for Phillips, who has been for sale for such a long time, is right up there with all of his achievements, especially if the champions get a decent fee.
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