Liverpool Sporting Director Hughes Departs, Ratings Revealed for 16 Signings Over Two Years

Liverpool officially announced that sporting director Richard Hughes has left the club after two years in the role. The Scotsman oversaw up to £670 million in recruitment spending during his tenure and helped bring in Slot as head coach. He is now set to move to Saudi club Al Hilal.

During Hughes' tenure, Liverpool completed 16 player signings, including Barcola's arrival from Paris Saint-Germain last month, which became the club's third transfer deal exceeding £110 million. However, most of these expensive signings have yet to show an impact matching their price tags. The following is a rating review by English media of each signing made during Hughes' tenure.

Goalkeeper position: Mamardashvili rated C

Georgian goalkeeper Mamardashvili joined from Valencia for £29 million, with the deal including an immediate one-season loan back. He made 19 appearances in all competitions last season and recorded three clean sheets. Although Alisson remains the first-choice goalkeeper and is under contract until 2027, Mamardashvili has yet to prove he can become the Brazilian's long-term successor.

Attacking signings: Isak and Wirtz have both fallen short of expectations

Isak, signed for a club-record £125 million, may have marked a late breakthrough with his goal away at Ipswich on Friday night. But before that, his performances had been disappointing, and after a long absence due to a leg injury since last December, he still needs to convince many doubters. Wirtz, signed from Leverkusen for £116 million, also remains to be tested, as he has struggled during his adaptation period and questions remain over his physical ability in duels.

Other signings: Ekitike becomes the biggest highlight

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Ekitike (£69 million) made an excellent start and was the most convincing performer among last season's new arrivals, but an Achilles tendon rupture in April caused him to miss the World Cup, and there is currently no return timetable. In comparison, Bournemouth arrival Kerkez (£40 million) and Leverkusen full-back Frimpong (£29.5 million) were both rated D. The former has struggled under Slot, while the latter was dropped to the bench by loanee Araujo in the match against Ipswich.

Chiesa (£12.5 million) received only a D rating. The injury-plagued Italian forward has made just two Premier League starts across two seasons and has been left out of the Champions League squad this season. Parma youngster Leoni (£26 million) was rated C after making only one appearance.