Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterLiverpools decision to sanction Curtis Jones imminent �30 million transfer to Inter Milan is understandable from a purely financial standpoint.The midfielder has already entered the final 12 months of his Anfield contract, meaning this summer represents the clubs last opportunity to recoup a significant fee rather than risk losing a homegrown asset for nothing next year.Cashing in on an academy graduate delivers a neat �30m boost to the balance sheet. But, from a sporting perspective, taking a red pen to the squad's engine room midway through August is...certainly a decision.Curtis Jones could hold the key to Liverpool's success or failure in 2026/27Unless an immediate, top-tier replacement is lined up and has been kept under wraps from the press, it raises a glaring question: what on earth are Liverpool doing?The expected sale leaves Liverpools central midfield looking rather thin, relying almost entirely on a core trio: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai. You may like Liverpool star had agreed transfer abroad, with 'late move' coming: report Liverpool lose out on �130m windfall after latest transfer disappointment - but is standing your ground such a bad thing? Andoni Iraola has MAJOR PROBLEMS as Liverpool squad weaknesses become worryingly apparent While those three have top level Premier League quality, the depth behind them is less so.Wataru Endo remains in the squad, but the Japanese international is fundamentally a functional, defensive backup rather than someone equipped to start three matches a week.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Nineteen-year-old Trey Nyoni has featured throughout pre-season, but it's a big ask to expect him to replace one of the more senior players in that position.Going into a campaign with essentially three senior central midfielders for two starting spots is...certainly a decision.This level of depth, or lack thereof, is especially baffling when considering Andoni Iraolas demanding, high-pressing style of play. What to read next Arne Slot's Liverpool send-off behaviour leaves Anfield with much to worry about this summer Why Liverpool buying Rayan could prove to be the masterstroke of the summer Andoni Iraola's first three Liverpool tasks are daunting and monumental - but achievable Iraolas setup requires energy, relentless off-the-ball counter-pressing, and continuous box-to-box engine work in central areas.Expecting Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai to sustain that level of intense physical exertion across four competitions is, in FourFourTwo's opinion, asking for trouble.In the modern game, muscle fatigue and soft-tissue injuries are an inevitability over a 50-plus match season.Making matters worse is Liverpools habit of drafting central midfielders into emergency roles elsewhere on the pitch. In recent seasons, defensive shortages have repeatedly forced central players, most notably Szoboszlai, to plug holes at right-back.If a full-back injury forces Iraola to slide Szoboszlai out wide again, Liverpools central midfield options are diminished overnight.Granted, almost a fortnight remains before the transfer window shuts, but the transfer rumour mill offers precious little comfort.Liverpools current recruitment drive is firmly focused on bringing in a wide attacker, according to reports, rather than bolstering the middle of the park. While speculative links to Adam Wharton persist, any late approach will be strongly rebuffed by Crystal Palace, who have no intention of parting with their prized asset so late in August.Even if a deal were possible, Wharton himself may hold out for a rumoured move to Manchester City in 12 months' time. By choosing to bank �30m for Jones on the brink of contract expiry, Liverpool may have solved an accounting issue, only to leave themselves one injury away from a full-blown crisis.In isolation, banking �30m for Jones who is on the brink of contract expiry is a good bit of business. But in current circumstances, it can only be deemed good business if Liverpool have someone else lined up in that position, who will meet Iraola's needs and elevate the profile of the squad. Even then, it mightn't be enough and Liverpool could find themselves running on fumes by March, coasting to the finish.TOPICSCurtis JonesLiverpoolPremier LeagueJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
