Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister have both been the subject of speculation in recent months, but Danny Murphy says Liverpool must keep one over the other this summer
17:24, 12 May 2026
Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones during a Liverpool training session.
Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says his old team might need a midfield rebuild this summer — but Curtis Jones staying should be prioritized over Alexis Mac Allister.
Arne Slot's men have struggled for consistency this term, though they look set to qualify for the Champions League. Come the summer, another important window will be required to ensure that the Reds have a roster that competes for major trophies again.
In the center of the field, there has been speculation involving both Jones and Mac Allister lately. The former drew interest from Inter Milan and elsewhere in January and only has a year left on his contract, while the latter has not held talks over extending his deal yet, though it doesn't expire until 2028.
READ MORE: Joe Gomez makes admission on Liverpool future ahead of summer transfer windowREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher makes Xabi Alonso to Liverpool prediction amid Chelsea talks - 'I'm sure he would'
"I think it's only a blow (to lose one of them) if whoever you bring in isn't better," Murphy told Ace Odds.
"I don't think they'd let either of them go unless they had a replacement coming in who they felt was better. Sometimes although you have an affinity to players, it's exciting for fans to see new players come in and try and make the team better.
"I think Mac Allister has struggled a bit this season. He missed a lot of pre-season which I don't think helped him.
Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones of Liverpool celebrate at full time during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Liverpool at the Stadium Of Light in Sunderland, England, on February 11, 2026. (Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
"And I feel a bit for Curtis Jones because I think his versatility sometimes hampers him. He plays midfield, he plays right-back, he's played on the left, he's played defensive midfield, he's played attacking midfield. He's never had a good, sustained spell in one position.
"He's shown his quality and had some really good games and I actually think he's been underused by Slot. But obviously Slot has the benefit of watching him train and seeing what he does."
If Jones doesn't pen a contract extension, Liverpool would be risking losing him for nothing another 12 months down the line. Mac Allister, meanwhile, has had a difficult few months in terms of his performance levels.
"My feeling is that it will be a bigger blow for Curtis Jones to leave Liverpool than Mac Allister," Murphy continued.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
From $100
LFC.com
See the deal
Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
"I think Jones is still evolving as a player. He's mid-20s now, but I still think he's growing and I love the fact that he can play in different positions.
"And he's a Scouser. Don't get me wrong, where you're born and where you're from isn't the be all and end all in creating a good squad but he gets it, he understands it and he plays with that passion and that fire.
"I think a lot of Liverpool fans will be disappointed to see Curtis Jones leave and I'm one of them."
Article continues below
Liverpool.com says: Adding fresh energy in the middle of the pitch might make sense, but Jones hasn't played as much as he would have liked as it is. Adding another body in there would only make that pathway to minutes even harder.