Liverpool taking INCREDIBLE Xabi Alonso risk

Liverpool are taking a massive risk with Xabi Alonso. It's one they might just live to regret.

Liverpool's season has been a mess. They're miles away from where they were last season and given it's nearly February, it looks unlikely that things will turn around quickly.

The Reds have already seen their worst run of form in the league since the 1950s. They've won five Premier League fixtures since September, with none in 2026.

But it does look as though they'll stick with Arne Slot. It's worth pointing out that, really, this poor run of form stretches back a year now - Liverpool were not the same team post-January last season, struggling for consistency in much the same way they are now.

David Ornstein, however, is one of those reporting that it would take a dramatically negative downturn in results for Liverpool to act before the summer.

“It seems like the club are giving him time, even if many supporters aren’t," he told Sky Sports. "Every time you make checks on this, you’re told nothing before the summer. Clearly the summer – like we see at many clubs – is a time for review, and it’ll be fascinating to see which way Liverpool and other teams go at that point.

“Naturally, if results deteriorate to an alarming degree, I presume the hierarchy at any club – even though they are backing their head coach – will have to think about it, but I think the intention at Liverpool is to back him.”

And that's particularly interesting because Xabi Alonso is available. Liverpool are set to ignore the Spaniard for now, though - and that's an almighty risk.

Xabi Alonso risk

Alonso is about as easy a hire as Liverpool could find. If Slot were to resign, for instance, there is essentially no question that they'd hire him.

He's proven as a title-winner, he's built a club up to be a contender, and he's even worked with two of the summer signings. Importantly, Alonso got the best out of Florian Wirtz - a player Liverpool are now desperate to get going.

On top of it all, there's the fact he's a club legend who actively wants to work for Liverpool. It doesn't get easier than this.

But Liverpool are set to ignore the fact he's completely available and stick with Slot until things get absolutely dire. And perhaps they won't slip further. Perhaps Slot will improve the team and get back on track.

The club don't know that, however, and Alonso won't wait around forever. Worryingly, there's the temptation of Manchester City lurking in the background for his signature as Pep Guardiola's future remains uncertain.

Lose him to City and Liverpool may never get another go at Alonso. That's the potential cost of sticking with Slot - that the perfect replacement ends up being your rival.

Hopefully, Liverpool get their decision right here because it feels like an almighty risk.

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