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Curtis Jones is facing a crucial crossroads in his career this summer as he ponders whether to leave Liverpool.
The Scouser will have only one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season, and with no new talks in sight, it feels likely that he departs.
Despite threatening to cement his place at various points during his Liverpool career, Jones has never been able to become a regular starter at Anfield.
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And after Thomas Tuchel once again overlooked him for his final England squad before the World Cup, Jones must know that he is running out of time to establish himself for club and country. A new adventure is the only way to achieve that.
Jones has to leave for international recognition
Having made his debut last summer, Jones had looked to be in the thinking of Tuchel heading into a World Cup year. The 25-year-old has made six appearances for England, scoring once, but has not been named in any of the four squads this season.
Perhaps the biggest reason for his continued omission is his lack of playing time with Liverpool.
Although Jones has featured in 26 of Liverpool’s 30 Premier League matches this season – and a further 12 across all competitions – he has only started 11 times.
Photo by Alex Caparros – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
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Elliot Anderson has come in to take his place for England, and while that may be acceptable given the Nottingham Forest man’s quality, Jones will be more disappointed to see the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and especially James Garner selected ahead of him.
The former Liverpool academy man has supreme confidence in his ability, and will believe he is better than many of those chosen by Tuchel.
While he may be right in that notion, the only way to prove it is by going out and playing week on week at the top level. Unless he sees a dramatic turnaround in playing time before the end of the season, Jones may sadly need to leave Liverpool for that to happen.
What should Liverpool do with Curtis Jones? His contract expires in 2027 ❌
Credit: Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates/Getty Images Jones should rekindle Inter Milan links
There was a meltdown amongst the Liverpool fanbase when Jones was linked with a January exit to Inter Milan. Although he is not a regular starter, the No. 17 is a useful option for Arne Slot both in midfield and at right-back. A mid-season sale would have made little sense.
However, if Inter are still interested come the end of the campaign, that would have the look of a move which really could rekindle Jones’ career.
If he could become a starter for the Italian side, he could surely catch the eye of Tuchel and become a stalwart for England.
There is no question that Jones will have belief that he is good enough to do the same at Liverpool and that he absolutely should be part of the Three Lions’ squad anyway. But history tells a different story, and he may have to make a big decision this summer to ensure his career does not begin to drift.
Jones will be 26 next season, it is time for him to really kick on and fulfil his potential. If he has to leave Liverpool to do that, then so be it.
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