Richard Hughes' massive Liverpool failure set to cost Arne Slot his job

Liverpool's 2025-26 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster.

The Reds started off the campaign as they ended the previous term, but from that point on, they've never really been in a consistent run of form.

Granted, they have gone on a bit of an unbeaten run over the last couple of months but, since that's now been stopped thanks to their 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday, it feels like the Anfield outfit are back to square one.

Of course, there have been some games when Liverpool have met expectations and have proven why they won the Premier League last season, but, more often than not, it feels like Arne Slot's men are a shadow of their former selves.

But, despite all of Slot's shortcomings, it's one of Richard Hughes' failures that could end up costing him his job.

Richard Hughes not signing a centre-back could cost Arne Slot his Liverpool job

One of the main questions that has been asked about Liverpool this winter is whether they're going to sign a new defender or two.

It's clear that the Reds' defence has been one of their main problems this term with players such as Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson often underperforming.

Many fans expected the Anfield outfit to make another move for Marc Guehi after his failed summer transfer but, in the end, that's not how things seem to have panned out.

However, now that Joe Gomez is out injured for an unknown length of time, Liverpool's lack of recruitment could be the final nail in Slot's coffin.

Indeed, some fans may be thankful for this after the Dutchman's recent decision making has cost them a fair few points, but, the fact that he could end up losing his job because of something that Hughes has done rather than something he's done himself is rather shocking.

Liverpool must sign a new defender is Joe Gomez is injured for an extended period

Even before Gomez got injured against Bournemouth, most fans knew that having him as the Reds' only back-up centre-back was an accident waiting to happen.

On his day, the Englishman could be classed as one of the Premier League's best centre-backs, but, due to his injury history, he always seems to put Liverpool on the backfoot.

Gomez's injury history is one of the main reasons why the Reds need some new defenders as soon as possible.

If the defender was able to stay fit, due to things such as his versatility and his vast Premier League experience he could be one of Liverpool's most important players.

But, consistency-wise, it feels silly for Liverpool to not at least explore a transfer or two, especially since they're still fighting for the Premier League and the Champions League.

If a new defender isn't signed before deadline day, it could be curtains for Slot.