As Liverpool gear up for a hectic summer transfer window, expectations are growing that several key players will have to make way for new faces.
The reshuffle is already underway. Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah are among the stars who have left the club. Ibrahima Konaté has turned down an extension and looks set to join Real Madrid for free.
Read: Arteta’s dream transfer: Arsenal confident of signing ‘terrifying’ star striker
And more may follow. Liverpool need money – money that can be reinvested in the team for new manager Andoni Iraola.
Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa are among those who could disappear. Curtis Jones, who is entering his last year of contract, could also be on his way out.
Recent reports claim that Liverpool are in talks with Inter Milan over a transfer. But such a deal could turn out to be a huge mistake from the Merseyside club.
Why Jones’ exit is a mistake
Jones seems to be nearing a farewell from Anfield. On paper, it makes sense: he has one year left on his contract, and the club may want to bring in fresh funds to reinforce elsewhere.
Still, it can be a big mistake – for several reasons.
Take the midfield market for example. Arsenal’s wishful player Alex Scott is said to be priced at £80 million if he leaves Bournemouth this summer. Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson are rumoured to cost around £100 million each.
It shows how difficult – and expensive – it is to replace a player of Jones’ calibre.
“Unbelievable” – and still not at the top
Jones is more than good enough. He is exceptionally confident under pressure, elegant in the build-up play and is able to circulate the ball when it is needed most.
At 25, the academy boy is still not at his best – despite the fact that he has already been described as “incredible” with the England national team.
He has the potential to be even better. And most importantly, he knows what it means to be a Liverpool player. He has grown up around the club.
All of this suggests one thing: Liverpool should give him a new contract. Maybe with the promise of more playing time. But as it looks now, everything is moving in the direction of a sale. A mistake – for all the reasons mentioned above.
A pattern that repeats itself
The contract mess surrounding Jones is not an isolated incident. It’s a symptom of a bigger problem Liverpool have had for several seasons: an inability to be proactive with player deals.
Partly this is due to the chaos off the pitch – changes of sporting directors and managers have taken the focus away from sensible planning.
The result? Key stars such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konaté have left for free. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have been allowed to run down their contracts into the last year.
Liverpool have already lost once
Now comes the next challenge. In 2027, the contracts of Jones, Alisson Becker and Van Dijk expire. The club must think ahead – and get a handle on the problems that have already cost them dearly.
Liverpool have burned themselves before on contract issues. If they now force Jones out, they risk doing exactly the same thing again.
Read: Price ‘increases by €1 million a day’ Liverpool are still optimistic
