Andoni Iraola held his first press conference as Liverpool boss yesterday and spoke about a wide range of topics, including transfers and the future of Curtis Jones.
The Scouser has been a key player at the club in recent years but has failed to nail down a regular starting XI spot.
Jones has been linked with moves to Inter Milan and Nottingham Forest, who are looking to sign him on a cut-price fee as he only has one year left on his current deal.
Iraola was asked directly about the England international’s future and his response will come as music to the ears of the Anfield faithful.
Andoni Iraola wants Curtis Jones to stay
Jones hasn’t yet renewed his contract, so Liverpool run the risk of losing him for free next year if they don’t cash in on him.
The possibility of signing a new contract hasn’t been ruled out, but everything depends on Iraola, with every player getting a clean slate under the new manager.
And the Spaniard didn’t mince his words when asked about Jones, describing him as a great player who he intends to keep at the club for a long time.
“I rate Curtis very highly,” said the new Liverpool boss via Paul Gorst.
“For me, he is a great player. It’s very important he’s Scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality. I hope we can keep him, not only for this year, more time.”
Right move by Liverpool
Jones is a boyhood Scouser and has always fought for the badge since bursting onto the scene under Jurgen Klopp.
He also slotted in as a right-back under Arne Slot last season and has played in multiple positions for the Reds, making him a versatile squad option.
It remains to be seen how Iraola wants his team to play, but there is no reason why a player of Jones’ quality won’t have a useful role to play under the Spaniard.
Inter Milan and Forest are looking to take advantage of his contract situation to sign him on a cheap. The worst thing Liverpool can do is to sell a player who clearly loves the club, but Jones will want some guarantees on game time as he is entering the prime of his career.
Iraola will assess him – and the rest of the Liverpool squad in pre-season – and judging by his comments, the Scouse midfielder is going nowhere this summer.
