Virgil van Dijk has responded to the doubts over Curtis Jones‘ future at Liverpool, insisting he wants the Scouser to stay but “doesn’t know what’s going to happen.”
Jones will enter the final year of his contract this summer and, with no extension on the horizon, is linked with a host of clubs ahead of a possible move.
Inter Milan were unsuccessful in their advances in January but could return with a new offer, while Aston Villa and Tottenham are also credited with an interest.
With Jones the only local-born player remaining in Liverpool’s first team, as well as an important part of the squad, it would be a major blow to see him depart.
And speaking to reporters including the Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle at the weekend, Van Dijk was asked if he wants the 25-year-old to stay, replying: “Of course.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 31, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Curtis Jones on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I don’t know what’s going to happen because I’m not the boss.”
The questions around Jones’ long-term role at Anfield come during a run of three starts in the last four games, including impressive performances against Everton and Crystal Palace at right-back.
Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Palace saw Jones assist Andy Robertson for the second goal of the game – and Van Dijk hailed them as “both outstanding football players.”
“In the case of Robbo we’re definitely going to miss him when the season is over. We’ll see then,” he continued.
Robertson will leave the club in the summer along with Mohamed Salah, while Alisson could also depart as he considers a move to Juventus.
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That would leave Liverpool short of natural leaders and only magnifies the loss that would be felt if Jones leaves with 12 months left on his deal.
He has struggled to carve out a first-choice role in midfield and that could continue after a summer in which Adam Wharton is expected to arrive from Palace, but his displays at right-back could hint at a new long-term solution.
“Curtis I thought was outstanding against Everton,” Van Dijk said.
“[It] was not too much spoken about but especially in possession he was quite a big game-changer, especially in his positioning.
“It’s nice to be in your original position but he is so comfortable on the ball, he understands what is asked from that position.”
The Big Debate
Should Curtis Jones stay as Liverpool’s long-term right-back?
Arne Slot has seen the “Trent quality” in Curtis Jones after two standout performances against Everton and Palace. While it offers a path to the starting XI, a move away from midfield could influence his future as Aston Villa wait in the wings ahead of the final year of his contract.
Would you like to see Jones stay in the back four? Have your say in the comments!