Liverpool reportedly rebuffed a short-term loan approach from Leeds United for promising midfielder Curtis Jones in the summer.
According to Goal, Leeds United made an audacious approach to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones on a short-term loan this summer. However, all their approaches to sign the prospect were thwarted back by the Reds, who want the 20-year-old prospect to continue his development at Liverpool.
The report adds that Leeds sporting director Victor Orta made personal contact with the Reds in the hopes of securing a loan move for Jones. Liverpool, however, were unwilling to entertain any bids for the England Under-21 international.
After progressing through the ranks at the Liverpool academy, Jones made his first-team debut in an FA Cup tie against Wolves on 7 January 2019. He has improved leaps and bounds since then and injuries to key midfielders meant he became an integral part of the Reds’ squad last year.
Jones made 34 appearances in all competition for the Merseyside-based club, scoring four goals and assisting a further five last campaign. Although Liverpool have rejected an offer for the 20-year-old, he has yet to register his first appearance this season, even failing to make the bench in their last Premier League match against Chelsea.
It’s understandable why Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp wants to keep hold of the promising player; he will have plenty of opportunities in European and a domestic cup competitions. More chances could be forthcoming for Jones since Georginio Wijnaldum has left the club to join PSG this summer, as well as the fact that the club opted not to sign a replacement.
In addition, James Milner is sidelined with injuries and with both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita producing inconsistent spells on the pitch, there will be possibilities for the player to pounce upon. Liverpool’s rejection of Leeds’ approach comes in the wake of rumours that Aston Villa had also been interested in signing Jones.
The youngster is also viewed as a future leader as he was a captain throughout the Liverpool youth system and might indeed succeed Jordan Henderson in the coming years. Curtis Jones is under a long-term contract at Anfield until 2025. Jones is also a fan-favourite on the Merseyside, impressing with his work rate and technique.
As for Leeds’ interest, it is apparent they needed a midfielder in the summer transfer window but failed to acquire their target in Connor Gallagher, who joined Crystal Palace instead, while they could not match the asking price for Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien. Curtis Jones is another one joining the list of midfield targets the Whites’ were unable to land at Elland Road.
Klopp has kept immense faith in youth coming through the ranks which is visible the way he’s handling Harvey Elliot and Curtis Jones. While pushing his way into the Liverpool starting XI will be difficult it is not an impossible task. Perseverance is the key for Jones until the opportunity comes around to showcase his talent. After all, the Englishman appears to have a bright future ahead.
