Liverpool ‘have Portsmouth to thank’ for perfect Hughes after latest from Anfield
Richard Hughes played under Harry Redknapp for Portsmouth between 2002 and 2011, becoming a fan favourite on the South Coast.
Hughes, 45, most notably managed to wind up Cristiano Ronaldo enough for the five-time Ballon d’Or to headbutt the Scotsman in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
His antics weren’t good enough to help Liverpool win the Premier League back then, but since then, Pompey and Hughes have proved to be a huge asset for the Reds.
Hughes crucial to big-money Liverpool incomings
Both Portsmouth and Liverpool fans have enjoyed watching the likes of Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson in the last 20 years.
Crouch and Johnson helped Pompey to safety in the 2001/02 season and the 2008 FA Cup final win, respectively, going on to shine at Anfield too.
Hughes is now Liverpool sporting director, working alongside Michael Edwards, who formed a real bond at Fratton Park under Redknapp.
This time last year, Edwards spoke with surprise that he had been given a clear pass when hiring Hughes for Liverpool, who learned their craft in the analyst room at Fratton.
Edwards managed to lure the Glaswegian away from Bournemouth, with the pair previously butting heads in the race for the likes of Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday (22 June, pg 88), former Pompey boss Redknapp was full of praise for his ex-midfielder, saying: “Richard is so knowledgeable, and he knows pretty much every player around Europe.
“His recruitment is smart, and he is an encyclopaedia of football.”
Hughes was one of the main factors behind Liverpool’s big-money move for Florian Wirtz.
When Wirtz flew from Germany to Manchester, Hughes was there to greet him and posed for pictures with Liverpool’s newest star.
The former Arsenal youth player met Wirtz and his family in March and convinced the playmaker to join the Reds over Real Madrid.
Portsmouth could benefit from strong relations with Liverpool
Over the years, many players have represented both Liverpool and Portsmouth.
| Players to have played for Portsmouth and Liverpool |
| David James |
| Glen Johnson |
| Peter Crouch |
| Jermaine Pennant |
| Steve Finnan |
Now, with an ex-Pompey player in a leadership role at Liverpool, John Mousinho’s side could benefit.
The Reds could be convinced that Fratton Park is the right place to send any of their loanees as a result of Hughes’ connections.
Pompey struggle to compete financially with their Championship rivals, and if they are given the advantage of loaning players from Liverpool, that could be huge for their next campaign.
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