Richard Hughes' Barcola deal earns Liverpool praise before exit

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has been credited internally for securing Bradley Barcola's transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, a deal worth around $165 million, despite his impending departure to Saudi club Al-Hilal. Hughes pursued the France international for a year and remained heavily involved in negotiations through the summer window. Liverpool's decision to trust him with the process was viewed as vindicated, with Barcola arriving as a parting gift while the club sits 13th in the Premier League. Senior Liverpool sources emphatically dismissed claims that Hughes' next role distracted him, and he will leave on good terms. His tenure also included record deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, though fans remain concerned about an unaddressed defensive midfielder position.