Curtis Jones was the subject of transfer interest from Tottenham during the winter window, but Liverpool boss Arne Slot has explained the Reds' decision not to let him leave
Arne Slot has revealed why it would have been 'strange' to part ways with Curtis Jones during the transfer window. The Liverpool midfielder attracted attention from clubs including Tottenham Spurs and Inter Milan.
Reds manager Slot believes the squad's injury circumstances meant there was never any question about the midfielder's future at Anfield. Jones, 24, has made 30 appearances for Liverpool this season, despite facing fierce competition for a midfield berth.
Spurs were linked with a move for Jones, with The Times reporting in January how he had been attracting interest from Thomas Frank's side. Spurs ended up signing midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid as well as full-back Souza from Santos in their only two senior additions in the January window.
The England international must compete with Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai for a place in Slot's starting XI, yet has still proved to be a valuable asset for the Dutchman.
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Slot reckons Jones has been unfortunate not to feature more regularly, having started fewer than half of Liverpool's Premier League fixtures. However, the former Feyenoord manager was unwilling to consider reducing his 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, reports the Mirror.
"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 questioned about Jones' long-term future but did not give a definitive response. The academy graduate's contract is due to run out in 2027, but the Reds manager remained tight-lipped about any contract negotiations.
(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."