Potential 2026 departure adds to questions surrounding Liverpool’s direction

February 13, 2026 Oliver Obel

Curtis Jones has been a regular presence in Liverpool’s squad this season, but not always a guaranteed starter and that nuance is driving fresh speculation about his long-term future.

The 25-year-old midfielder has made 32 appearances in all competitions, starting 13 of his 23 Premier League outings. Those numbers reflect steady involvement, though they also underline the competition for places in Arne Slot’s midfield.

According to talkSPORT, Jones could reassess his situation ahead of the summer of 2026. Inter Milan were credited with interest during the winter transfer window, and Tottenham Hotspur are also reported to be tracking him.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant added fuel to the conversation in comments to talkSPORT, suggesting there may be friction behind the scenes. He said:

“To me, with the interest from Tottenham, his contract and Inter Milan, the bond with him and Slot...

I think there's been a bit of a tiff and not seeing eye-to-eye.”

There has been no independent confirmation of any dispute between Jones and Slot, and Pennant’s remarks remain opinion rather than established fact. Jones is contracted at Anfield through the summer of 2027.

A season still in the balance

The backdrop to the speculation is a campaign that has yet to settle.

Virgil van Dijk’s second-half header secured a 1-0 victory over Sunderland on February 11, leaving Liverpool sixth in the table after 26 matches. They remain within striking distance of the Champions League places, though the margin for error is narrowing with 12 games to play.

Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season, recently described this year as the toughest of his managerial career “by a mile.” His team are still competing in both the FA Cup and the Champions League, and success in either would quickly change the tone around Anfield.

Missing out on qualification for the 2026/27 Champions League would carry obvious consequences. Beyond prestige, participation shapes recruitment plans, revenue projections and, inevitably, player decisions. Mohamed Salah has already been linked in media reports with a possible departure, adding to the sense that next summer could bring meaningful change.

Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder, continues to be mentioned in various reports as a potential managerial option should the club move in a different direction. For now, however, the focus remains on finishing the season strongly.

As for Jones, the situation may be less dramatic than the headlines suggest. Midfield selection often fluctuates over a long season, and competition for places is not unusual at a club with Liverpool’s ambitions. Still, if uncertainty lingers into 2026, interest from abroad could become more concrete.

Much will depend on how the next few months unfold for the team and for one of its longest-serving academy graduates.

Sources: talkSPORT, official Premier League statistics