Slot Explains Why Curtis Jones Staying Put Makes Sense Despite January Exit Rumours

Curtis Jones faced an uncertain January at Liverpool, with speculation mounting over a potential exit as the midfielder grappled with limited starting opportunities. The academy product had attracted interest from Inter, with reports suggesting he'd accepted their offer and requested to leave Anfield. Tottenham were also circling before they pivoted to signing Conor Gallagher instead.

Whispers of a falling-out between Jones and Arne Slot added fuel to the transfer gossip, yet the move never materialised. The 25-year-old will now remain at Merseyside at least until the summer, when Liverpool will reassess his future with his contract expiring in 2027.

Speaking ahead of the Manchester City fixture, Slot addressed the speculation head-on. He acknowledged Jones's frustration despite the midfielder clocking up 21 Premier League appearances—though just ten have been starts. The manager sympathised with his situation but made clear why allowing him out would have been illogical.

"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 him because we have players but we need players in these positions," Slot explained. "And the moment you start to need midfielders in different positions, the line gets smaller and smaller."

With just two young prospects in Nyoni and Ngumoha supplementing his midfield ranks, Slot reasoned that offloading Jones would have been counterproductive. "It would be strange if we let anyone go," he said, noting the midfielder represents one of 16 available outfield players in his squad.

On the thorny matter of a contract extension, Slot deflected responsibility. Those conversations, he insisted, happen elsewhere in the building rather than on the training ground. With Jones holding just eighteen months remaining on his current deal, the club faces an eventual decision point—but that reckoning has been postponed until the summer window.