Liverpool are interested in appointing Brentford technical director Lee Dykes as their new sporting director to replace Richard Hughes.
Liverpool are considering Brentford technical director Lee Dykes as a potential replacement for Richard Hughes, with Fenway Sports Group assessing a number of candidates to fill the sporting director role at Anfield.
According to TEAMtalk, FSG have been planning for life without Hughes for weeks. The club were already aware of his desire to part ways with the club and have been looking at potential candidates to replace the former Bournemouth executive.
Hughes remained in his position throughout the summer transfer window, allowing Liverpool to successfully sign some of their top targets as they prepared for life under newly appointed Andoni Iraola.
His departure has caused no disruption within the club, with FSG having anticipated the possibility and ensured the existing football structure was strong enough to operate without an immediate replacement.
FSG president Mike Gordon is in charge of the process of replacing Hughes and has been considering both internal and external candidates. FSG’s current preference is understood to be an internal appointment, with Julian Ward, David Woodfine, Matt Newberry, and Pedro Marques among those being assessed.
However, FSG have also examined senior football executives from across Europe and the Premier League as they consider the best way to develop Liverpool’s sporting structure. Options include Bayern Munich’s Christoph Freund and Como’s Carlalberto Ludi.
Why are Liverpool interested in Dykes?
Dykes is one of the Premier League figures whose work has attracted attention during that process. The 42-year-old has been part of the Brentford setup since 2019, and he was promoted to technical director in 2022.
He has since played an important role in the club’s recruitment and wider football operations, helping oversee a data-driven approach to identifying and developing players. His work at Brentford has earned him a strong reputation within the English game, and his experience fits the profile Liverpool have traditionally valued, particularly given the importance placed on recruitment, data and long-term squad planning at Anfield.
However, Liverpool’s interest in the Brentford executive does not necessarily mean an approach is imminent. FSG are continuing to assess their options and have no need to rush into a decision because of the depth already present within the club’s football operation.
Hughes’s successor will inherit a structure that has already been established rather than having to rebuild the department from scratch. For now, Dykes remains one of several names being considered by Liverpool. An internal promotion may still be the preferred route, but FSG’s willingness to examine external options means the Brentford technical director could emerge as a serious contender.