Young midfielder Curtis Jones is all set to sign a new contract with Liverpool.
Jones has only played seven times for the Reds this season, as injuries continue to be a feature of his career so far. But according to The Times, this hasn’t curtailed Jurgen Klopp’s enthusiasm towards the academy graduate.
In fact, the Liverpool manager reportedly still rates Jones ‘highly,’ and believes him to be an important player for the future.
As a result, the 21-year-old is claimed to be on the verge of extending his deal beyond 2025.
Meanwhile, there’s an update given on three other Liverpool players. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are now said to be ‘likely’ to leave the club at the end of this season. There’s better news for Roberto Firmino, who is reportedly in talks over a new contract.
Jones yet to deliver on potential
This is a weird one, quite frankly. With three years still to run on his current deal, and experiencing a difficult campaign, it doesn’t seem necessary to look at a new deal for Jones.
Despite Klopp’s commitment to him, most fans would agree that the England U21 star has not pushed on in his development.
Obviously gifted technically, Jones still doesn’t appear to have nailed down exactly where he fits into this Liverpool team.
He’ll be twenty-two very soon and should no longer be considered as a youngster in the squad. At that age, and armed with a new contract, you have to start delivering.
It will hopefully do Jones the world of good to have his manager’s backing. But in short, he needs to start showing why that is on a consistent basis on the pitch.
If he can do that, there could be slots opening up in the Liverpool midfield very soon. As the Reds hunt for the perfect solutions to take them forward, it’s up to Jones to show that he should still be considered.
Judging by this news, he’ll get every opportunity to do just that. But unless he improves when given those chances, this could be the last contract he signs at his boyhood club.