Liverpool cannot afford to lose 22-goal star as ideal replacement set to vanish

Even though the World Cup is currently taking place, that hasn't stopped the transfer rumour mill from turning.

Liverpool are expected to be one of the Premier League's busiest teams in the transfer market after they failed to retain their top flight title in the 2025-26 season.

Arne Slot has already been moved on and, since three of the Reds' regular starters have already packed their bags and left, change is clearly on its way to L4.

Andoni Iraola has only been in charge of the Anfield outfit for a couple of weeks but, there's no doubt that he'll have had conversations with Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards about what he needs from them this summer.

However, with other clubs trying to do their business early, options on the market are already becoming scarce in some positions with Liverpool likely to be forced into keeping hold of one of their players that they want to move on.

Liverpool must keep Curtis Jones as Al-Ahli make a move for Khephren Thuram

Curtis Jones is probably going to be one of the most talked-about Liverpool players this summer.

Even though the Englishman was called up to Thomas Tuchel's squad back in March 2025, since then, not all that much has been said about his international future.

The main reason behind this is the fact that Slot chose against playing him despite many other members of his squad failing to meet expectations.

This lack of trust has resulted in many rumours being shared about Jones' future with Inter Milan among the most interested teams.

And, even though the Serie A outfit still want him, it starting to feel like the Reds can't let go of him, especially after the latest transfer news to emerge from Italy.

When it felt nailed on that Jones was going to leave, transfer links with Juventus' Khephren Thuram started to emerge with Liverpool among the many potential suitors for the Frenchman.

However, as per a fresh update from TuttoJuve, that's no longer the case with Al-Ahli now making a move for the 25-year-old.

"Al Ahli have made a move for the French midfielder, who is being eyed by Liverpool and Manchester United in the Premier League. Details on his valuation," they wrote.

"The French midfielder has ended up in the sights of the Arab club, who are looking for a replacement worthy of Franck Kessié, who is destined to leave for free in this transfer window.

"Galatasaray, Liverpool and Manchester United, as recently reported by Tuttojuve.com, have also inquired about the situation. Juventus have not yet set a price, but initial discussions could begin around €45/50 million."

Curtis Jones should be one of the first names on Liverpool's team sheet

Even though Jones wasn't often trusted to play in his natural position by Slot, every time he was used there, he was one of Liverpool's best players.

He created chances out of nothing and, when he did lose the ball, he always worked his hardest to get it back and defend the Reds' net.

The midfielder has played all across the pitch this season but, due to his work rate and ability to pick out a pass from the complete opposite side of the pitch, he's easily one of Liverpool's most important players.

And, since Iraola's system at Bournemouth was all about pressing, the fact that Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch were hardly pressing for Slot will certainly work in Jones' favour.

If any of Liverpool's players want to stay as first-team regulars, they'll need to adapt to the new system quickly and prove their worth, otherwise they'll be left behind and Iraola will ask for them to be moved on.

So, as long as Jones plays how everyone knows he can, there's no reason why the Englishman shouldn't be one of the first names on Iraola's team sheet by the start of the new season, especially if a deal can't be reached with Inter Milan.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Michael Edwards is about to do it again, brilliant Liverpool transfer on the horizon

👉🏻 You can't make it up, Liverpool about to agree outrageous deal