It would be a surprise if Liverpool allowed Curtis Jones to leave the club in the summer transfer window, former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has claimed.
The 25-year-old can be a divisive figure at times, with some Reds supporters arguably overrating or underrating him, rather than finding a middle ground.
Jones has been linked with a move away from Liverpool to Aston Villa in recent weeks, with his lack of football under Arne Slot potentially forcing him away from his boyhood team.
But speaking to Football Insider, Wyness said he believes the Premier League champions will aim to retain the midfielder’s services, contrary to recent reports.
“I’d be surprised if Liverpool were to let Jones go. Whilst Liverpool have had rough patches, Jones has been one that seems to have shone through and shown the sort of grit and determination that’s needed right now. I don’t see him as a Villa player, and so I doubt that is going to happen.
“With Harvey Elliott, there’s no doubt Jones will have spoken to him, and it’s not worked out for Elliott over there, and he’ll be looking for a fresh lease of life. Maybe there’ll be some deal there to be done. I don’t know, but I just don’t see that one happening for Villa. I don’t think it’s a good fit and I think Liverpool will be better served keeping Jones in the squad.”
Curtis Jones catching the eye at the right time
Jones has been impressive at right-back in Liverpool’s last two games against Everton and Crystal Palace, expertly assisting Andy Robertson’s goal at home to the Eagles on Saturday.
Granted, Slot doesn’t always appear to have been his biggest fan, hence his lack of minutes in midfield, but the Reds’ head coach has still hailed him as “complete” in the past.
It would be such a shame to see Jones depart Liverpool in the summer, but it can only happen if the player himself wants a new challenge.
Hopefully, he doesn’t want to move on at such a key point in his career, instead wanting to enjoy his peak years at Anfield, possibly becoming a key starter from next season onwards.