Liverpool facing Curtis Jones transfer problem it cannot ignore as issue clear

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Curtis Jones is approaching the final 12 months of his contract at Liverpool, and with the midfielder reportedly linked with a move away, the Reds could face a transfer problem they cannot afford to ignoreLiverpool head coach Arne Slot with midfielder Curtis Jones(Image: Getty Images)Mohamed Salah rarely grants extensive interviews to the press, so his comments typically carry considerable significance.The response to his recent television appearances ahead of Liverpool's fixture against Manchester United last weekend, which ended in defeat, exemplifies this. While the outgoing Egyptian was sidelined from the Old Trafford encounter due to a minor hamstring issue, his remarks dominated the news cycle, with one particular disclosure prompting raised eyebrows."I spoke to a member of staff and the guys up there, I told them when I leave, you need an example, you need people to come early and go to the gym," said Salah.READ MORE: Liverpool new kit for 2026/27 already 'on sale' in stores after latest leakREAD MORE: Liverpool get huge boost without even playing as club's Champions League hopes ended"If this doesn't happen, it will be tricky for the club, because it's very necessary you put the standard high.

I want that standard in the club, it's very important for the team to keep winning things, and this is one of the main concerns for me."It's evident that Salah feels passionately about identifying a successor who can maintain his commitment to exceeding the standard training expectations at Anfield, viewing it as crucial to his achievements and, consequently, Liverpool's success throughout his nine-year tenure at the club.With Andy Robertson also departing this summer and uncertainty surrounding Alisson's long-term prospects, a significant amount of experience and leadership will be lost. While not impossible, replacing these qualities will prove challenging.Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool last year(Image: Getty Images)There may be another gap in the squad that historical evidence suggests must be filled if Liverpool is to mount a credible title challenge in the near term.

Curtis Jones is entering the final 12 months of his contract and, following Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit last summer, stands as the sole Liverpool-born senior player in the first-team.So far, there's been no indication of a new agreement, and speculation continues regarding a potential departure, with several Premier League sides reportedly interested, despite Jones featuring more heavily this campaign than in any previous season.With numerous established and successful figures approaching the twilight of their Anfield careers, the possibility of also losing a Scouse presence in the squad has triggered concern amongst supporters worried about the identity of a side inevitably evolving through natural progression.But does having a locally developed player in the starting XI make such a difference? The Reds have won 32 major finals — six European Cups, three UEFA Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, one FIFA Club World Cup, eight FA Cups and 10 League Cups — and on every occasion have featured at least one Liverpool-born player in the matchday squad.The sole exception was the 1986 FA Cup final victory over Everton, when Steve McMahon remained on the bench throughout, while in 2024 Jayden Danns, then only 18 years old, came on as a substitute in the memorable League Cup final triumph against Chelsea.Furthermore, all 20 league championship victories have seen one or more locally-raised players contribute far more than a minor role in securing the silverware.From Ian Callaghan and Tommy Smith to Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, right through to Alexander-Arnold and Jones, those hailing from the city and its surrounding areas have always played their part.Something worth pondering, then, for the Reds' recruitment team as they map out their strategy for the coming season and beyond.