Richard Hughes

From Brilliant to Blunder: Grading Every Transfer Richard Hughes Has Made at Liverpool

6 Sep 2026 6 min read 0 views

After spending two-and-a-half years as Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes has left the club.

The 47-year-old joined to manage the post-Jürgen Klopp transition in the transfer market, spending two seasons building the squad for Arne Slot before overseeing this summer's overhaul under Andoni Iraola.

Hughes invested approximately $950 million in new players during his time on Merseyside and shattered the club's transfer record on two occasions—and that's before factoring in this summer's $166 million pursuit of Bradley Barcola.

Unfortunately for the Scotsman, he departs as a villain in the eyes of much of Liverpool's fanbase, who blame his extravagant spending and poor squad management as a major contributor to the club's downturn since claiming the Premier League title in 2024–25.

There have certainly been some dubious acquisitions, but Hughes's tenure was not entirely without its highlights.

Here is a look at the standout hits and misses from the Reds' transfer activity during his time at Anfield.

Best Signings

Hugo Ekitiké

After Liverpool brought in only Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa during Hughes's first transfer window, the club embarked on a record-breaking spending spree as Premier League champions midway through 2025.

Yet despite investing over $600 million in new talent, only Hugo Ekitiké delivered an undeniably successful debut season.

The French forward arrived for $104 million (including add-ons) and immediately impressed, netting just four minutes into the Community Shield. He followed that up with goals in his first two Premier League outings, injecting much-needed energy as Liverpool began what would become a dismal campaign on a bright note.

Ekitiké wrapped up the season with 17 goals and six assists, posing a consistent threat to opposing defenses before suffering a ruptured Achilles in April.

Liverpool will be hoping he can recapture that form upon his return from injury.

Jérémy Jacquet

It remains early in Jérémy Jacquet's Liverpool career, but the early indications are highly encouraging. The commanding 21-year-old has adapted to a new league impressively well despite his limited game time so far, and should continue to develop as the season unfolds.

Chelsea were widely regarded as the favorites to land Jacquet, but Liverpool stepped up their pursuit last January to secure a deal ahead of this summer. At $82 million, it looks like shrewd business, particularly given the inflated fees seen in the current market.

Rapid, composed, physically dominant and technically polished, Jacquet looks like the genuine article. On this front, Hughes appears to have made the right decision.

Victor Muñoz

Given that Hughes's first window produced only two underwhelming signings and his second was plagued by errors, one must again turn to a summer arrival when evaluating his finest work as Liverpool's recruitment chief.

Victor Muñoz, much like Jacquet, has hit the ground running at Liverpool, playing a part in late equalizers in both of the club's first two matches under Iraola. The winger, who has demonstrated his flexibility by featuring on the right as well as his favored left flank, brings the pace, drive and work rate that will quickly win over the Anfield faithful.

Newcastle United had been closing in on a deal for the Spaniard over the summer, but Liverpool swooped to secure him for $45 million—a reasonable outlay given the fees commanded by wide forwards in the latest window.

Only time will tell how Muñoz develops, but there is genuine belief that this could be remembered as one of Hughes's better pieces of business.

Worst Signings

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak may have made a promising start to the current campaign, but that does little to excuse a deeply disappointing debut season at Anfield. A drawn-out transfer saga, which saw the striker effectively go on strike at Newcastle United, eventually concluded with Liverpool breaking their transfer record to sign him for $170 million.

Granted, a serious injury severely hampered his first year with the club, but four goals in 22 appearances is simply not good enough for a player commanding that price, regardless of the circumstances. The Swedish international has yet to justify his staggering fee.

Isak may well come good for Liverpool in the future, but for now, he remains a long way short of what was expected from a Premier League record signing.

Hughes must accept responsibility for approving the deal, particularly given that Liverpool had already committed over $100 million to Ekitiké earlier in the same window.

Florian Wirtz

Much like Isak, there remains a real possibility that Florian Wirtz goes on to have a successful and lengthy career at Liverpool. However, only flashes of his $156 million potential have been seen so far, and just 15 goal contributions in 52 appearances in his debut year left plenty to be desired.

There is a feeling that Liverpool didn't truly require a player of Wirtz's profile, despite his undeniable technical quality. The German playmaker was more reminiscent of a Manchester City signing under Pep Guardiola than the kind of dynamic midfielder suited to Liverpool's strengths.

His arrival signaled a shift toward a more controlled, possession-based approach under Slot, but the Dutchman's methods clashed with Liverpool's traditional identity. Now back to high-pressing football under Iraola, a player of Wirtz's mold may not be what the Reds need.

Jeremie Frimpong

Following a remarkable title-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen in 2023–24 and a strong follow-up campaign, Jeremie Frimpong was widely regarded as one of the most electrifying fullbacks in world football. He had, after all, thrived under former Red Xabi Alonso, racking up 38 goal involvements across his final two seasons in Germany.

The issue is that Frimpong never truly suited Liverpool's system. The Dutch international operated almost exclusively as a right wingback at Leverkusen, and has since struggled when asked to function in a conventional back four. His defensive vulnerabilities are evident, and his attacking output has been limited in a more restrained role.

After a difficult opening to the current season, the outlook for Frimpong appears uncertain. Without a dramatic turnaround under Iraola, he risks going down as one of Liverpool's most disappointing signings in recent memory.

Milos Kerkez

During his spell at Bournemouth, Hughes was instrumental in bringing Milos Kerkez to the club from AZ Alkmaar. Under Iraola on the south coast, the left back flourished, eventually earning a high-profile move to Liverpool as Hughes signed him for the second time in his career.

On the surface, it appeared a smart piece of business. Kerkez had been outstanding at Bournemouth and was still at a young age. His aggressive, attack-minded approach drew comparisons to Andy Robertson, and he seemed a natural heir to the Scotsman.

However, like Frimpong on the opposite flank, Kerkez has struggled significantly at Liverpool. Shaky defensive displays have not been compensated by creativity going forward, with the Hungarian registering just four goal involvements in 48 appearances during his first season.

The 22-year-old is another who has found life difficult under Iraola's early tenure.