Curtis Jones’ Liverpool career is now coming to an end.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Jones will fly to Milan on Thursday to undergo his medical after Liverpool and Inter agreed a deal earlier today.
It’s a strange feeling seeing a player who came through Liverpool’s academy and has been part of the first team for so long preparing to leave Anfield.
But while I wish Curtis nothing but the best, I believe Liverpool now have to sign another midfielder.
The end of the Curtis Jones era
Jones has given Liverpool some brilliant moments.
He’s a local lad who came through the academy, made his first-team breakthrough and went on to win major trophies.
There have always been questions about whether he could become a guaranteed starter, but his ability to carry the ball, press and contribute in different midfield roles made him a valuable squad member.
Now, however, Inter are set to take him to Serie A.
And Liverpool need to respond.
Losing Jones changes the midfield
Liverpool still have quality in midfield.
Alexis Mac Allister.
Ryan Gravenberch.
Dominik Szoboszlai.
James McConnell and other youngsters.
But quality isn’t the only consideration.
It’s about depth.
Liverpool are going to have to compete across the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups, potentially playing twice a week for long periods.
Iraola also wants his team to play with intensity.
That means midfielders are going to be asked to cover enormous distances, press aggressively and transition quickly.
You can’t go into a long season hoping the same three senior midfielders remain fit and available.
This is why I think Liverpool need another signing
For me, Liverpool should now be looking for a midfielder who can genuinely compete for minutes.
Not simply another youngster.
Not someone who is only going to play when Liverpool are 3-0 up.
A proper first-team option.
Someone Iraola can trust when Mac Allister needs a rest.
Someone who can step in when Gravenberch is unavailable.
Someone capable of giving Szoboszlai a break without Liverpool’s level dropping.
That is what a strong squad needs.
Liverpool are already exploring options
Interestingly, reports have already emerged that Liverpool have shown exploratory interest in Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart and Tyler Adams of Bournemouth, with Adams reportedly viewed as the more attainable option.
That suggests the club may already recognise that another midfielder could be required.
And if Jones’ departure is now effectively confirmed, I think that need becomes even greater.
Don’t let the transfer fee distract from the squad-building
Liverpool will reportedly receive a significant fee for Jones.
That’s good business if the club have decided he isn’t going to be a regular starter and don’t want to risk losing him for nothing.
But the money shouldn’t simply sit there.
If Iraola believes another midfielder is required, use the opportunity to strengthen the squad.
Liverpool have ambitious targets this season.
They shouldn’t weaken one position without considering how to replace the depth they’ve lost.
Jones’ departure could be the start of more movement
This is where the final days of the transfer window could become really interesting.
Curtis Jones is leaving.
Liverpool are still being linked with attacking players such as Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye.
And now midfield options are also being discussed.
Fabrizio Romano has already suggested Liverpool could be among Europe’s busiest clubs during the final 10-12 days of the window.
So I don’t think this is necessarily the end of Liverpool’s business.
It could be the beginning of another round of activity.
Curtis Jones is leaving.
Liverpool need to replace the depth.
For me, it’s simple.
If Liverpool want Iraola to have the squad required to compete for everything this season, another midfielder needs to walk through the doors of Anfield before the window closes.
And if Liverpool can get the right player rather than simply signing someone for the sake of it, Jones’ departure could ultimately make the squad stronger.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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