Liverpool announced on Saturday that sporting director Richard Hughes had stepped down, weeks after Michael Edwards quit his role as chief executive of football.
Hughes, who is reportedly set to take on a similar role at Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, oversaw the biggest spending spree in Liverpool's history in last year's summer transfer window, bringing in a clutch of stars including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike at a cost of £450 million ($611 million).
The club also spent heavily in the most recent window, with France winger Bradley Barcola their marquee signing.
During Hughes's two-year tenure, now-departed manager Arne Slot led Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English league title, in 2024/25.
But the former Scotland international has also been heavily criticised to leaving both Slot and new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola with an unbalanced squad that is short in key areas such as midfield and full-back.
"It has been a source of great pride to have been given the opportunity to serve this incredible and unique institution," said Hughes. "That is something I will always be grateful for.
"My appreciation extends to ownership for their support and leadership, to club staff at all levels who give so much to make Liverpool FC what it is, to the players who make such an enormous contribution and to the fans who support the team in great numbers."
Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG), said: "Richard joined us at the start of a period of change, embracing that responsibility by leading our football operations department and overseeing recruitment while also providing valuable support to our coaching staff.
"The results we achieved in these areas during this period are testament to this contribution. Nevertheless, we respect Richard's life choices and wish him and his family well in their next venture."
Last month FSG sold a nearly 40 percent stake in the Premier League giants to a consortium including Amazon's billionaire founder Jeff Bezos.
