Arne Slot has insisted it would have been an unusual move for Liverpool to sell Curtis Jones during the January transfer window, despite speculation linking the midfielder with a mid-season departure.
The 25-year-old recently attracted reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting via X that the Serie A side had even opened direct talks with Liverpool. Jones is entering the final 18 months of his contract at Anfield, and journalist David Lynch claimed this week that he would be surprised if the midfielder committed to a new deal, amid suggestions outside interest may have influenced his thinking.
Slot addresses Jones’ future and transfer talk
Speaking at his Thursday press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City, Slot was asked about Jones’ role within the squad and his importance to the club.
As quoted by the Liverpool Echo, the head coach explained that Jones has featured heavily this season and has been unfortunate that midfield is the one area largely unaffected by injuries.
Slot noted that Liverpool retained Jones because of the squad’s current needs, highlighting that midfield options are being stretched as players are asked to operate in unfamiliar roles. He added that Jones’ status at the club remains unchanged and stressed that, with only 16 senior outfield players available — alongside youngsters Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha — allowing any player to leave would have been illogical.
When questioned about Jones’ long-term future, Slot confirmed that contract discussions are being handled elsewhere within the club and reiterated that everyone is aware the midfielder has 18 months remaining on his deal, offering no further comment.
Liverpool couldn’t afford to lose Jones — but questions remain
Given the injury problems Liverpool have endured this season, particularly at the back, the club were never realistically in a position to approve first-team departures in January.
Jones, who has made 30 appearances across all competitions this campaign (17 starts), remains a vital option — even providing cover at right-back when needed due to injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.
Despite competition in midfield, Jones has been a consistent presence under Slot, underlining the trust and value the head coach places in him.
However, his long-term future remains uncertain. Data from Capology shows that Jones earns £50,000 per week — joint-lowest among Liverpool’s senior first-team players once academy prospects and fringe players are excluded.
With his contract set to expire next year, Liverpool face an important decision in the months ahead. If Jones continues to play a key role under Slot, there is hope that he will choose to commit his peak years to his boyhood club — provided the club offers a contract that truly reflects his standing within the squad.
