Arne Slot reveals Liverpool’s stance on midfielder’s potential exit | OneFootball

Liverpool midfield depth under Arne Slot

At Liverpool, squad management has become a careful balancing act under Arne Slot. Having delivered a Premier League title in his first season, Slot now faces the quieter but equally important task of refining his options for the long term. Few areas illustrate that challenge better than midfield, where competition has been fierce and opportunities have required patience as much as talent.

Slot has consistently stressed the importance of depth and flexibility, especially in a season shaped by relentless schedules. While injuries have disrupted several areas of the pitch, central midfield has remained comparatively stable. That stability has shaped both selection decisions and the perception of certain players, none more so than Curtis Jones.

Curtis Jones role within Liverpool squad

Curtis Jones has often found himself discussed in the context of what he might become rather than what he already offers. Recent transfer windows brought speculation about a possible move, fuelled in part by his contract situation and the volume of midfield options available. Slot, however, has been keen to underline Jones’s value within a group that cannot afford to lose trusted contributors.

Speaking about Jones, Slot offered a clear explanation of how circumstances, rather than form, have shaped his minutes. He said: “Curtis has played a lot of minutes, but he’s also ‘unlucky’ in the sense it’s the only line where we haven’t had injuries.

“That’s of course why we kept in because we have a lot of players in that line, but we need these midfielders in different positions as well.

“When you start doing that, the line in midfield gets smaller and smaller.”

Photo: IMAGO

Those comments reflect a broader philosophy. Slot views midfielders as adaptable pieces, capable of filling multiple roles depending on match demands. As players are redeployed elsewhere, the margin for error in midfield shrinks, making reliability a prized commodity.

Contract situation and long term planning

Jones has 18 months remaining on his current deal, a detail that naturally invites questions. Slot addressed that aspect with characteristic calm. He said: “His situation hasn’t changed to us. He’s one of the 16 outfield players we have available for the long-term now and with two young players in Trey and Rio included.

“It would be a bit strange if we let anyone go if we only have 16 available.

“Talks [on a new contract] are not taking place over here, they’re taking place in other places in this building.

“The moment we have any news, we’ll share it over here.

“We as a club are away and he is aware that there is only a year and a half years left. That’s all I can say about it.”

For Liverpool, this is less about urgency and more about alignment. Jones knows where he stands, the club knows his worth, and Slot continues to rely on him as part of a compact, trusted core.

What Jones symbolises for Liverpool future

Jones represents a bridge between Liverpool’s academy identity and Slot’s evolving vision. In a squad trimmed for efficiency, every player carries added significance. Slot’s words suggest that, far from being expendable, Jones remains central to Liverpool’s thinking as they defend their domestic crown and plan beyond it.