Liverpool faces some difficult decisions in the summer transfer market, but the Reds must learn the lessons of Manchester United in avoiding one key transfer this summer
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
13:27, 29 Apr 2026
Arne Slot faces some huge transfer decisions with Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by Stuart Franklin – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
As the summer transfer window approaches, Liverpool faces a delicate market, where the key decisions could propel the side forward or send it backward once again.
Last summer saw the Reds move aggressively, spending around $600 million to land some star-studded names, as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike were among those who made their way to Anfield.
The result? Not quite as expected. A mixture of misfortune and poor performances have contributed to a campaign that made Liverpool far less than the sum of its parts. So attention turns to this summer. Several positions need addressing, with a delicate balance needed in finding the right profile of player to complement those who have had big money spent on them.
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While incomings are one factor, Arne Slot recently suggested Liverpool may have to sell players to buy once again, with plenty of names facing an exit. Among them is Curtis Jones, who is set to enter his final year under contract at Anfield, with an emphasis on playing more minutes as he enters the peak years of his career.
The midfielder is currently valued at €35 million ($41 million) by Transfermarkt, which has decreased due to his contract situation, with clubs looking to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding his future. Fabrizio Romano recently gave an update on Jones’s situation, and said: “My information is, keep an eye on the situation of Curtis Jones at Liverpool.
“He is out of contract in the summer of 2027, and the possibility of Curtis Jones leaving Liverpool in the summer transfer window is absolutely concrete… There are also clubs in England interested, but Italy could be an appealing destination for Curtis Jones to be, just to give you a context and example, the new McTominay.
Curtis Jones continues to be linked with an exit from Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images))
“Scott McTominay was, in England, a squad player at Man United. He became one of the best players in Serie A. Eventually, Curtis Jones could consider to try do the same with Inter, but at the moment, still nothing advanced, nothing agreed, so still early stages.”
The links to Scott McTominay make sense, given that the midfielder was often looked down upon in his time at Manchester United, but has since become a star at Napoli.
In Jones, Liverpool could face a similar situation, but must learn from its rivals and decide against a move, throwing everything at keeping the midfielder at the club.
At 25 years old, there are peak years to come from him, added to the fact that he hasn’t been overworked for minutes early in his career.
Jones provides balance and an ability to escape from pressure when on the ball, thanks to his ability with both feet, making him ideal for deeper build-up. It’s part of the reason why Slot has opted to use the academy graduate at right-back this season, following injuries to several options in that position.
The main sticking point will be whether Liverpool can guarantee him the game time he wants, and that may require some changes elsewhere.
Alexis Mac Allister’s contract uncertainty suggests there could be an exit there, creating a potential opening for Jones to make an impact, while the right-back position could easily become his new place to shine.
Either way, Liverpool will need to outline a clear plan and throw everything behind Jones to make him a success at the club. Otherwise, many will look on and wonder what could’ve been.