The murmurings started quietly, but they’re growing louder now. Curtis Jones, that Scouser who’s battled his way from the academy to Arne Slot’s trusted circle, finds himself on the radar of not one, but two Premier League rivals.
Jones has been a revelation this season, stepping up amid Liverpool’s midfield flux. With nine starts under his belt and flashes of that trademark energy – think his driving runs and crisp passing that unlocked Bournemouth last week – he’s no longer just a squad player.
Yet, as we hit the final 18 months of his deal, set to expire in 2027, the vultures are circling. Tottenham have been bold, reportedly prepping a £30 million opening bid, perhaps even a loan with an option to buy, despite snagging Conor Gallagher already. They’re keen, seeing him as a dynamic addition to their engine room.
But the shock link? Chelsea. Under Liam Rosenior, who’s steadied the ship at Stamford Bridge with four wins in his first five games – including a slick 3-1 dismantling of Crystal Palace that lifted them to fifth – the Blues are scouting alternatives amid their own midfield woes. Injuries have left them threadbare, relying on just Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Andrey Santos as natural central options.
Simon Phillips, via The Chelsea Chronicle, reports they’ve been “keeping tabs” on Jones’ situation, viewing him as a fallback to their stalled pursuit of Douglas Luiz. It’s opportunistic, sure, but it stings for us Reds fans.
Remember, Jones inked his last extension back in November 2022 under Klopp, when he was still proving himself. Not among our top earners, he enters that precarious final-year zone by summer 2026, where leverage shifts dramatically.
Liverpool’s priority? Locking him down soon, or risk a cut-price exit or, worse, a free transfer in 2027. Slot’s praised his “exceptional” adaptation, but post-Bournemouth comments hinted at squad rotations that might unsettle the 24-year-old.
Our midfield isn’t without its headaches either. With Harvey Elliott out on loan at Aston Villa and niggles like Federico Chiesa’s training setback, Jones’ consistency is vital. He’s not just depth; he’s the heartbeat, blending tenacity with technical flair that echoes our best traditions.
Rosenior’s Chelsea revival adds intrigue. The 41-year-old, fresh from a six-and-a-half-year deal, has injected clinical edge – back-to-back league wins, echoing Graham Potter’s early promise but with more bite. “It was a top team performance,” he said after Palace, hailing Estevao and Joao Pedro’s “outstanding” link-up. If they swoop, it could tempt Jones with regular starts in a rebuilding project.
Jones embodies the pathway from Kirkby to the first team – lose him, and it chips at our identity. The board knows it; talks are underway.