Liverpool boss Arne Slot has made his thoughts clear on the transfer speculation around Reds midfield star Curtis Jones and explained the club's decision to keep him at Anfield
Curtis Jones and Arne Slot after a Liverpool game
Arne Slot has explained why Liverpool didn't sell Curtis Jones in the winter transfer window(Image: Getty Images Europe)
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Arne Slot has explained how it would have been 'strange' to sell Curtis Jones during the transfer window. The Liverpool ace was the subject of interest from the likes of Tottenham and Inter Milan.
Reds boss Slot believes the club's injury situation ensured that there was not even a debate to be had over the midfielder's future. Jones, 24, has played 30 times for Liverpool this season but faces stiff competition for a spot in midfield.
The England international must battle with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai for a place in Slot's starting lineup, but has still proven a useful player for the Dutchman.
Slot believes Jones has been unlucky not to feature more, having started less than half of Liverpool's Premier League matches. But the ex-Feyenoord boss did not want to consider having fewer options.
"I think what you've seen...he has played a lot of minutes and unlucky in the sense that midfield is the only line we haven't had injuries, but we kept because we have players but we need players in these positions," Slot said in his press conference.
"And the moment you start to need midfielders in different positions, the line gets smaller and smaller.
"We kept him, his situation hasn't changed to us, he is one of 16 outfield players available we have with two young players in Nyoni and Ngumoha, so it would be strange if we let anyone go."
Slot was pushed on Jones' long-term future but did not provide a clear answer. The academy product's deal is set to expire in 2027 but the Reds boss kept quiet over any contract discussions.
Curtis Jones during a Liverpool game
Curtis Jones has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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[Contract] talks are not taking place in here – they're taking place in other places in this building," he said. "We're all aware that he only has one and a half years left [on his current contract], so that's all I can say about it."
Liverpool did add some depth to their squad during the transfer window in Jeremy Jacquet, but will not be able to utilise his services from Rennes until the summer. The Reds are to part ways with up to £60million after beating Chelsea and Manchester United to his signature.
"Very pleasing, of course, because he's a very big talent and maybe even more than only a talent," Slot said of the summer move, "We weren't the only ones interested in him.
"Young, very talented players sometimes at the start of their careers, sometimes a few years into their careers, but always players that are young and that can improve us and help us for the short and long term. The future of this club is in a very good place."
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