Richard Hughes sets Curtis Jones contract renewal DEADLINE

Liverpool fans were left surprised during the winter transfer window when it emerged that the club listened to offers for Curtis Jones.

First it was disclosed by trusted sources that Tottenham were eyeing a deal for the 25-year-old midfielder. But the most serious interest came from Inter in Serie A - with the Italian giants seeking a loan deal leading to a purchase option.

The Premier League champions ultimately refused to sanction a departure for Jones - although Italian sources maintain that it was the Reds who made the first contact.

There is clearly an issue to be solved over Jones’ contract - which expires in 2027 - and the uncertainty means the playmaker is at risk of being sold.

Curtis Jones' contract extends to 2027

Jones last signed a new deal back in 2022 when he was still very much a squad player under Jurgen Klopp. Since then he has developed into an integral part of Arne Slot’s system - playing close to 50 matches last season.

He is still not starting as many matches as he would like however according to a report from James Pearce in the Athletic. His desire for more regular starts is a sticking point and without those guarantees then he may end up leaving.

Furthermore Jones is not one of Liverpool’s better-paid midfielders with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch all thought to be making a lot more.

If Richard Hughes is unable to come to terms with Jones over a new deal on his anticipated wages then Liverpool will be left with no choice but to sell.

LFC won't lose Jones for free warns Pearce

“Liverpool dismissed interest in Jones from Inter of Italy before Monday’s transfer deadline — weakening an already depleted squad was unthinkable,” the report reads.

“But with only 18 months left on his contract, the academy graduate’s future will remain a topic of debate.

“Jones is desperate to be a regular starter but 11 of his 21 Premier League outings this season have been off the bench.”

Pearce goes on to state that the next few months are going to be crucial in tying up a renewal for the two-time Premier League winner.

The situation could come to a head in next summer’s transfer window - when Jones will only have one year left on his deal.

It will be Liverpool’s last chance to earn some money on their academy graduate with the club having no intention of losing him on a free in 2027.

“If he doesn’t sign an extension before the summer, all parties will need to consider their options,” he writes. “Liverpool won’t want to risk losing him for nothing after next season.”

Richard Hughes left with simple Curtis Jones equation

So Hughes is left with a simple equation. If Jones declines to renew his contract on the terms Liverpool are offering then he will be SOLD in summer.

It’s already been claimed in the Italian press than the No17 knocked back an attempt to extend his deal back in January before heading out on loan to Inter.

Liverpool may well have been intending to maintain his transfer value by ensuring he had more than one year left on his deal when he came back from San Siro.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move