In a season of trials and tribulations for Liverpool Football Club, several players could be forgiven if they are having a rough go of things lately.
One of those names that is likely not enjoying his football this season is Curtis Jones. The 25-year old has made 29 appearances in the Premier League this term, but only 13 of those were starts.
It has become clear he is firmly behind fellow midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, and to a lesser extent, Alexis Mac Allister. Couple that with the rumor that Arne Slot will be retained at the club next season, and a summer exit might be on the cards.
Jones will be entering the final twelve months of his current Liverpool contract and the hierarchy must decide if he is a long-term asset or expendable.
Premier League suitor is ready
Multiple reports indicate that Aston Villa, currently fourth in the table and three points clear of the Reds, are big admirers of Jones and are ready to add him to their ranks if the opportunity arose.
Villa have become one of the most stable clubs in the league under the guidance of Unai Emery and one could absolutely envision a world where Curtis Jones hits the next level as one of the main hubs in their engine room.
Having said that, the curious case of Harvey Elliott must also be acknowledged from the Jones camp.
Elliott joined the Villains over the summer on a loan with option to buy deal, and almost right away, Emery and the club froze him out and stalled any progress that he hoped to have this season.
Would things be slightly different if Jones arrived on a permanent transfer? I think so, but it is just another example of life away from Liverpool is not always sunshine and rainbows like some might think.
With Champions League football almost locked up, Aston Villa could offer a strong sum to acquire Jones and it might be one that Slot and his team think would be worth it for a rotation player at this point.
A crowded midfield blocking first XI path
As mentioned, Liverpool have several high-profile names in their midfield that were key contributors to last season's Premier League title run or are seen as the core of the future.
Add into the mix the reports that Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton is seen as a key target, Jones' access to regular minutes is not going to get any easier if he stays on next season.
This campaign, he has made 44 appearances across all competitions but has only played the full 90 minutes 10 times. That is a clear indicator of where he stands at the club right now. He's a valuable and versatile piece, but he is not viewed as importantly as others may be.
Aston Villa are a good side, but they do not have any anchors that are entrenched in the midfield. Emiliano Buendia is a good player, but is better out wide. Boubacar Kamara and Lamare Bogarde are fine players in their own right, but on his day, Jones could feasibly out play them all.
I'm sure neither Liverpool nor Jones wants to play the 2026/27 season under the cloud of a final year contract, so a resolution is expected sooner than later.
He's been a true servant of the club, but the timing might be lining up just right for him to maximize his opportunities and the club to cash in.
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