“50/50” – Liverpool star could still leave this summer | OneFootball

Curtis Jones Future Still Uncertain as Liverpool Face Summer Decision

Curtis Jones has been linked with a move away from Liverpool throughout the summer, and despite a recent lull in speculation, Lewis Steele believes the academy graduate’s future remains far from settled. Speaking to Dave Davis on Media Matters for Anfield Index, Steele explained why the coming weeks could still prove decisive for one of Liverpool’s longest serving first team players.

With Andoni Iraola beginning his first pre season as Liverpool head coach, Jones has an opportunity to impress. Whether that opportunity ultimately convinces both player and club that his future lies at Anfield remains one of the more intriguing storylines of the transfer window.

Contract Situation Adds to the Uncertainty

Dave Davis highlighted one detail that has perhaps gone under the radar.

“Curtis Jones will have clocked those two renewals, won’t he, in the last sort of 12 months? And he’s not had a new deal since 2022, which is scary when you talk about it that way.”

With several senior teammates committing their futures to Liverpool, Jones now finds himself in a very different position.

His contract situation inevitably raises questions, particularly when clubs from both England and Italy continue to monitor developments.

Inter Milan Have Not Gone Away

Although reports surrounding Inter Milan have quietened, Steele suggested the interest has not disappeared.

“I would still say that his future is up in the air because Inter have made two or so approaches for him. They’ve been pretty much told where to go, but they’re still lurking in the background.”

That assessment indicates Liverpool have so far resisted attempts to prise Jones away, but it does not necessarily close the door on future negotiations.

Steele also revealed another Premier League club have explored the situation.

“We know that Forest had a look a couple of weeks ago.”

Interest clearly exists, even if formal offers have yet to reach Liverpool’s valuation.

Photo: IMAGO

Iraola Could Yet Change Everything

One of the biggest unknowns is how Jones fits into Andoni Iraola’s plans.

Steele believes the midfielder deserves the opportunity to work under Liverpool’s new head coach before any major decision is taken.

“I think it would be good for Jones to get a chance under the new manager.”

However, there remains uncertainty over the player’s own thinking.

“I don’t know whether he’d made his mind up already that he wants to go.”

That may ultimately prove to be the deciding factor. If Jones believes regular football will be difficult to secure following Liverpool’s midfield evolution, a fresh challenge could become increasingly attractive.

At the same time, Iraola may see qualities in Jones that previous managers were unable to maximise. His energetic pressing style and tactical flexibility could suit the Spaniard’s approach.

Liverpool Want Him to Stay, But Questions Remain

Steele also referenced public comments from Liverpool regarding Jones’ future.

“I have sort of publicly said he wants him to stay for the long term.”

Even then, Steele was careful to add a note of caution.

“Don’t know whether that was just talk or not.”

That uncertainty reflects the wider picture. Liverpool have not actively pushed Jones towards the exit, yet neither has there been any indication that a new contract is imminent.

With competition for midfield places stronger than ever following recent recruitment and contract renewals, Jones faces arguably the biggest challenge of his Liverpool career.

Fifty Fifty Heading Into the Final Weeks

Steele’s verdict on the situation was remarkably straightforward.

“As we stand with a month or so to go over the window, it’s still probably 50/50 whether he stays or goes.”

That honest assessment perhaps best sums up Liverpool’s position.

Jones remains a valuable homegrown player with Premier League experience and strong technical ability. Equally, Liverpool possess significant depth in midfield, while interest from Inter Milan and Nottingham Forest demonstrates there would be no shortage of potential buyers should the club decide to cash in.

For now, neither outcome appears more likely than the other. Jones will begin pre season with the opportunity to impress Iraola, but his long term future remains one of Liverpool’s most difficult transfer decisions this summer.

If he convinces the new head coach that he deserves a central role in the squad, the conversation could quickly change. If not, Liverpool may yet face a decision over whether this is the right moment to part ways with one of their own.