Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has urged the club not to sell Curtis Jones this summer, despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract. Jones, 25, is yet to agree a new deal and could leave on a free transfer next year, prompting interest from Inter Milan, Nottingham Forest, and Galatasaray. Inter had a £20 million bid rejected, with Liverpool valuing Jones at over £30 million.
Heskey Backs Jones to Stay
Heskey emphasized Jones's importance as a squad player, stating: "I would keep Curtis Jones as he gives you backup and options. It depends on whether he wants to continue as a secondary player, but he has the quality to break into the team. If he has international ambitions, he needs to be playing regularly." Jones made 49 appearances for Liverpool last season and won the U21 European Championship, where he was one of the standout performers.
Defensive Reinforcements Needed
Heskey also highlighted the need for centre-back additions, especially with Ibrahima Konate leaving. He expressed surprise at potential Virgil van Dijk departure, calling it "a big shock." Liverpool have only signed winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million this window, while centre-back Jeremy Jacquet arrived in January from Rennes for £60 million.
Barcola a 'Statement' Signing
With Mohamed Salah's departure, Liverpool seek another winger. Heskey praised the potential signing of Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola: "Signing Bradley Barcola would be an amazing coup for Liverpool because he provides the pace and directness we've been missing on the left wing. We've been spoiled with Sadio Mane and Luis Díaz, and now we need Barcola to get the fans off their seats again." He added that missing out on Yan Diomande to PSG could facilitate Barcola's exit, calling it "a statement signing for Andoni Iraola."
