Curtis Jones has responded to Wrexham's £2m compensation claim following a pre-season incident at Yankee Stadium.
A few days ago, footage from Liverpool's training session ahead of the Leeds United friendly showed Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Kostas Tsimikas involved in a light keepy-up routine. The relaxed atmosphere was a far cry from the initial assumption of a dressing room problem.
The most likely explanation for the armband incident remains that Jones was frustrated around the captaincy handover after he was substituted in New York. Tsimikas ended up with the armband, and Jones clearly did not love how it played out.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed his desire to keep Jones in the squad. The midfielder is homegrown, tactically flexible, and good enough to contribute in several midfield roles. Managers value players like that, especially ones who know the club and do not need hand-holding.
There has been fresh talk around Inter Milan and their interest in the midfielder. However, this has not changed Liverpool's stance on keeping Jones. Unless somebody arrives with a fee that makes serious sense, keeping Jones is the logical move.
Liverpool need depth, intelligence, and players comfortable in high-tempo football. Jones fits that. He also deserves the chance to work under a coach whose ideas look more aligned with aggressive, front-foot football. For a squad needing edge and adaptability, selling him now would solve very little.
Wrexham's £2m compensation claim remains unconfirmed, but it is clear that the incident was blown out of proportion. Jones looks settled, the group looks fine, and Liverpool can get on with preparing for Leeds. That is the story.
Liverpool will face Leeds United in their next pre-season friendly, and the team's performance will be under the spotlight. The Reds will look to build on their recent training sessions and get ready for the new season.
Source: Yahoo Sports