Who will be new Liverpool sporting director - and what issues do they face?

Liverpool are facing a fresh recruitment puzzle after confirming they'll need a new sporting director to replace Richard Hughes, according to the BBC.

The report doesn't disclose Hughes' exact departure timeline but outlines the scale of the task awaiting his successor, who will inherit a club navigating significant squad and strategic decisions. The BBC notes several candidates are already being considered for the role, though no names have been confirmed.

Whoever takes over will need to hit the ground running, with Liverpool's next sporting director expected to shape recruitment policy and help steer the club through what the BBC describes as a series of pressing issues both on and off the pitch.

Further details on the identity of Hughes' replacement, and the full extent of the challenges they'll face, remain to be seen as Liverpool continue their search.