Why a Jones transfer U-turn would be a major boost to Iraola
Liverpool's new head coach has shared his desire to keep the midfielder, who is attracting the interest of Inter Milan.
Had Arne Slot kept his job, then it could have been said with some certainty that Curtis Jones would be leaving Liverpool this summer.
That outcome had previously been locked in as early as January, when Inter Milan first made an approach and the midfielder’s standing within the squad was underlined by him failing to start six games in a row.
In the end, the Reds saw off that initial interest from the Italians, resolving not to lose players during what was proving to be a difficult season.
But there were few subsequent signs of Jones’ situation changing, as he remained behind Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield pecking order and only ended up in the starting XI late in the campaign thanks to an injury crisis at right-back.
For that reason, a firm summer push from Inter was expected to be enough to get a deal over the line.
However, the appointment of Andoni Iraola has offered a glimmer of hope regarding a change of heart, particularly if the Spaniard’s words at his Monday unveiling are anything to go by.
Speaking to reporters, he said of Jones: “I rate Curtis very highly. For me he is a great player. It’s very important he’s Scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality. I hope we can keep him, not only for this year, more time.”
And you can see why he might be keen on a player who is so efficient in terms of getting the ball back and using it wisely - surely the two most important jobs of any midfielder.
The Englishman may never pass the eye test for some, but the fact is he occupies elite company among under-25 midfielders in both duel-winning and progression of the ball on a per-90 basis.
That he sits next to Vitinha - perhaps the best ‘midfield metronome’ in Europe right now - in this particular graphic is also instructive as to both his profile and quality.
Throw in that Jones is a homegrown player in a squad that has lost plenty of local representation recently and it is hard to fathom why the powers that be at Liverpool aren’t doing everything they can to keep him.
Perhaps with a strong endorsement from the new head coach, that will change, though contract talks have been shelved for so long that you worry they can no longer be salvaged.
And, while Liverpool and Inter sources have both dismissed reports of a new bid having been tabled this week, it is interesting that it is said to have come through intermediaries, allowing for an element of deniability.
