Liverpool look set to snatch Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes and his arrival may just force a change of transfer plans.
Liverpool fans received huge news last week with Michael Edwards returning to Anfield.
The former Reds sporting director is back – but in a wider role with Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool.
Edwards will come in as their CEO of Football and will oversee Liverpool’s business moving forward.
This does though mean that Edwards will need to bring in a new sporting director to lead Liverpool’s transfer activity.
HITC Football understands that Edwards will make his first move by bringing Bournemouth’s Richard Hughes to Anfield.
Hughes currently serves as Bournemouth’s technical director but has already confirmed his exit at the end of the season.
Edwards and Hughes know each other from their days at Portsmouth and it looks like they will team up at Liverpool.
Hughes will have some transfer ideas in mind and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him alter Liverpool’s thoughts about one potential signing.
Richard Hughes could spark Lloyd Kelly U-turn
Liverpool will surely be in the market for another defender this summer.
Joel Matip’s contract will come to an end and whilst Jarell Quansah’s rise helps matters, a natural left-footer should be on the radar.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is one target but Hughes heading to Anfield may just spark a rethink on Lloyd Kelly.
Reports in December suggested that Liverpool had an interest in Kelly but backed away, believing that there may be better players on the market.
That may well be the case but Kelly is a free agent at the end of the season and it looks unlikely that he will now sign a new contract.
If anybody would force Liverpool to look at Kelly again, it would surely by Hughes.
The Scot was part of Bournemouth’s recruitment team when they signed him from Bristol City in 2019 and he has witnessed his development over the last five years on the South Coast.
Hughes will know exactly what Kelly can provide; a turn of pace, ability to pass out from the back and the ability to play as both a left-sided centre back and a left back.
On a free transfer, Kelly could offer the ideal cover Liverpool need at the back and Hughes will be well aware of that.
Kelly – hailed as ‘outstanding’ by his former boss Eddie Howe – will attract major interest on a free transfer and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Hughes move for him this summer.
It may not be a signing to excite supporters but additional defensive depth without breaking the bank should be a priority for Liverpool this summer and Kelly may be worth another look as he heads towards the end of his Bournemouth deal.