Richard Hughes may prove to be a really shrewd appointment as the club’s sporting director. He joins Michael Edwards, who has returned to FSG, with a great track record and already a close working relationship with him.
That experience will prove to be vital as Liverpool now look to embark on the post Jurgen Klopp era this summer. It is an era which promises a lot of exciting developments.Including the potential of FSG moving towards the multi-club model.
One of the most interesting developments, though, could be Liverpool dipping into the Italian market more often. According to The Times, Hughes understands the Italian market really well and is well connected. He actually grew up in Italy and came through the young ranks at Atalanta. As a result, Hughes speaks fluent Italian and has a good knowledge of the game in Italy. He even used to be a commentator on BT Sport for Serie A matches.
Liverpool recently haven’t dipped into the Serie A market a lot. But when they have the club has brought in some gems, including Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker, both from AS Roma. Considering it’s one of the best leagues in the world, having Hughes so well connected to the Serie A could come in handy. Especially, to bring in more gems like Alisson and Salah.
Why Richard Hughes should think about replacing Luis Diaz
There is no doubt Luis Diaz is a fantastic footballer. On his day, few can be as quick in possession and beat players with such ease as the Colombian. However, his final product has been quite poor for Liverpool.
This season Diaz has averaged a goal contribution just every 162 minutes. Overall, his career average is a goal contribution every 161 minutes for Liverpool. That average is only a goal or assist almost every other game. Which simply put is not good enough from a forward player.
There have been murmurs of interest from other clubs in his services and if that is the case, Liverpool should be open to a sale. Especially now that Hughes is on board who has that connection to Italian football.
It in the Serie A where Liverpool may find the best replacement for Diaz in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian is three years younger than Diaz and is equally as exciting on the ball. However, his end-product is a lot better.
Last season, Kvaratskhelia averaged a goal contribution for Napoli every 104 minutes. This season Napoli has struggled but even so, the Georgian has averaged a goal contribution every 145 minutes, which is impressive considering Napoli’s downfall.
He won’t come cheap, but he would be the perfect signing for Liverpool, and with Hughes at the helm and his fluent Italian, the club should consider making a move for the Napoli player. Especially, as Napoli look unlikely to make the Champions League, whereas Liverpool are almost guaranteed to be in Europe’s elite competition next season.