The situation around Caoimhín Kelleher will prevent Liverpool from selling Curtis Jones. There’s reported interest in the Scouser.
Goal reported today that Liverpool are receiving interest in Curtis Jones. Leeds United and Aston Villa are both named as interested parties – but it’s unlikely that Jones leaves.
Jurgen Klopp doesn’t want to lose the player, and still sees a long-term future at the club for the Scouser. Jones has only just turned 22, after all.
But there’s another very good reason why selling Jones is difficult. Even if Liverpool wanted him gone, we’re not sure they could justify it.
And it all comes down to Caoimhín Kelleher and his own future at Liverpool.
Curtis Jones at Liverpool
The Athletic reported last week that Liverpool could end up selling Kelleher in an attempt to raise transfer funds. In fact, the player himself has admitted that his future could lie away from Anfield.
But that would create a problem. Liverpool require eight homegrown players for a Champions League squad. Four of those players must be ‘club trained’ – as in, they’ve spent three years at the club between 15 and 21.
Kelleher is one of three players Liverpool have as ‘club trained’, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez. Jones hasn’t been put on the squad list as he was young enough to play anyway – but must be included going forward.
Losing Kelleher would mean losing a club-trained player – and they’d need to replace him. Any new goalkeeper is unlikely to tick the club-trained box and that would push Liverpool right up against their squad restrictions.
Jones would naturally take a spot and bring Liverpool back up to three. They’d still be short, though, preventing them from naming a full 25-man squad.
Liverpool can’t really afford to lose both, then. Harvey Elliott will eventually become club-trained but as things stand, it’s difficult to let go of Jones, even on loan.
Perhaps Kelleher stays and allows Liverpool a bit more freedom but it’ll ultimately be his choice.