Liverpool can escape the distraction of Curtis Jones’ current contract situation.
The 25-year-old’s contract expires in 2027 and Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan were both approached during the winter transfer window.
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Ultimately, Liverpool decided not to do any deal for Jones.
There are various theories as to why the Premier League champions rejected the offer.
Trusted Merseyside club insiders insist the Reds are not looking to weaken the squad in January and are, in fact, willing to sign players if the right deal comes along.
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In Italy, however, they tell a different story – Jones can only be bought on loan if he agrees to renew his contract with Liverpool.
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Doing so will keep the creative midfielder’s contract value high, as he would otherwise return after a six-month loan spell with just one year left on his contract.
No agreement has been reached and no contract has been signed, meaning Jones will end the season with a lot of uncertainty.
Clubs encouraged to let Curtis Jones bid
A report in the Liverpool Echo claims January suitors were “encouraged” by Jones’ camp to make a bid to take advantage of the contract kerfuffle.
“The contact itself suggests some gentle encouragement behind the scenes from a player heading towards the final year of his contract on Merseyside,” the report said.
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There’s reason to believe that unless Jones signs a new contract soon Richard Hughes plans to sell him in summer 2026.
Arne Slott spoke to the media ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Brighton, admitting the club had every right to exploit Liverpool’s “model” in terms of players out of contract.
Liverpool model makes Jones sale inevitable
“I think it’s in the interest of a big club like ours to have a very good football player and try to renew his contract and there are clubs who want to sign him, which is completely normal,” he is reported to have said.
“If you’re out of contract, I think it’s normal for other big clubs to think: ‘Well, maybe there’s a deal to be done’. Because, I say it every time I stand here lately, you know our pattern.
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“Other clubs know our model too, so other clubs might think: ‘Well, there’s no use calling them because they don’t sell’, we have a different model. So that’s probably why there are some links with other clubs.”
Last summer, the likes of Luis Diaz and Caoimhin Kelleher were sold on the model as the countdown to Liverpool contracts began. Don’t be fond of Jones just because he’s a homegrown player and he’ll be treated differently.
He’s been unable to force his way into Slott’s starting lineup – Especially for the big games of the season. Jones has played in substitute roles against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
It’s easy to see why the Englishman might be growing frustrated with his current situation. The best solution for everyone involved may be to go their separate ways over the summer.
