Image Credits: Imago Images
Conor Gallagher’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur has been billed as a statement signing for a midfield badly in need of fresh energy and bite. The £35 million deal from Atletico Madrid gives Thomas Frank a ready-made Premier League operator to help plug the Rodrigo Bentancur-shaped hole after the Uruguayan underwent hamstring surgery that is expected to sideline him for months.
Tottenham’s hierarchy have been open about the need to reshape the middle of the pitch, with Gallagher joined by Brazilian midfielder Souza as part of a broader rebuild. Bentancur’s injury only sharpened that focus, pushing Spurs into the market for someone who can step straight into Premier League tempo.
And it seems that search briefly took them to Anfield. Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe revealed that Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones was on Spurs’ shortlist before they moved decisively for Gallagher. The 25-year-old’s contract situation – heading into the final year of his current deal that expires in 2027 – naturally piqued interest, with clubs sensing there could be relative value in a homegrown player entering a crucial stage of negotiations.
O’Keefe wrote while answering a question on X: “I don’t know. Not really progressive but they had Curtis Jones on their list. Presumably they scrub that now – 1 year left on his deal.”
While there is confidence at Liverpool that a new agreement will be sorted, the uncertainty was enough for Spurs to at least explore the possibility before effectively “scrubbing” his name once the Gallagher move advanced.
The last time the Scouser received a contract extension was back in 2022, when he was still considered a developing member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad. Jones has racked up 26 appearances across all competitions under Arne Slot,.
This past December, Jones reached a landmark 200th appearance for Liverpool during the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. At just 24 years and 317 days old, he became the youngest midfielder to achieve that milestone since Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. It’s unlikely that Liverpool or Jones would have opted for the Spurs move, but it showcases how well the midfielder has developed in recent seasons.
READ MORE: Birmingham City and Liverpool reach agreement on Lewis Koumas
I don’t know. Not really progressive but they had Curtis Jones on their list. Presumably they scrub that now –
1 year left on his deal.
— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) January 13, 2026
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