Liverpool FC’s most highly-regarded correspondent, Paul Joyce, penned a lengthy piece in The Times about midfielder Curtis Jones as he heads into the final year of his contract this summer.
Here’s what Joyce said about Jones’ situation:
- would prefer to stay at Liverpool but wants a leading role, having been frustrated after losing his place despite a run of starts earlier in the year
- Tottenham considered Jones in January but signed Conor Gallagher instead, while Inter explored a loan with a view to buying
- Jones didn’t push for a move, and Liverpool rejected a loan. Inter could return, with Aston Villa also monitoring the situation, leaving Liverpool to decide whether to sell
- Alexis Mac Allister’s (27) future is also in doubt, with no contract talks currently taking place. His situation is somewhat linked to that of Curtis Jones (25), who may choose to prioritise his own future over waiting for clarity.
Two things immediately jump out to me: the fact that Jones hasn’t been pushing for a move probably does signal that he wants to stay, but might need a guarantee in terms of his minutes or role in the squad.
Mac Allister isn’t heading into the final year of his deal,
but speculation around his future has been intensifying as well. Given his age and the signs of physical drop-off he’s shown this season, I’d guess that Liverpool is far more likely to sell him and extend Jones. A move abroad to a less intense league might suit him as well. I don’t see Liverpool selling both midfielders this summer, and it’s probably going to be one of them gone.
We’ve also seen from recent expiring contract situations over the past two seasons (Konaté, Salah, Van Dijk) that Liverpool are not afraid to let such deals go into the final year, and get them done before the summer it actually expires, so I would not be surprised if Jones stays without an extension this season.
