Steven Gerrard says Liverpool needs to maintain its local heartbeat amid speculation that Curtis Jones could follow Trent Alexander-Arnold out of the exit door this summer
12:41, 13 May 2026
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.(Image: BFM Radio)
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says the Reds should not sell Curtis Jones this summer — while he also harbors a hope that Trent Alexander-Arnold might return to Anfield in the future.
Jones drew interest from Inter Milan in January and come the summer, he will only have one year left on his contract at Liverpool. So far under Arne Slot, he has struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting XI, even when Alexis Mac Allister and others have had more difficult seasons.
As a result, if there is interest in Jones again during the summer, it is possible that he could move on unless a new contract can be agreed in the meantime.
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"I think the academy system at our club is crucial and vital," Gerrard told BFM Radio ahead of an appearance in a charity game in Kuala Lumpur. "It’s important we keep producing homegrown talents.
"I think naturally, being around the city, growing up in the city, we understand the demands of the club, the style, what the fans want. It’s embedded in us because we know the city inside out.
"I wouldn’t allow Curtis Jones to leave. I wished and hoped that Trent didn’t leave us. Certainly, you’ll understand and respect every player has got their own career and can make their own decisions.
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)
"But it's very difficult to replace a player of Trent's level because he is world-class. Hopefully — hopefully — he might return one day. I think it's critical and key that we keep producing homegrown talent."
Earlier this week, Danny Murphy suggested that Liverpool should keep Jones over Mac Allister if there is a decision to be made between the two this summer.
"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.
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"I think Mac Allister has struggled a bit this season. He missed a lot of pre-season which I don't think helped him.
"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."
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Liverpool.com says: Jones staying and extending his contract would be the ideal move, but his preferences will have to come into the equation too. If he wants a guaranteed role in the team every week, he might need to look elsewhere.