Liverpool told to make summer transfer U-turn to avoid another Luis Diaz mistake

Liverpool must offer Curtis Jones a new contract to avoid losing another valuable asset, like Luis Diaz.

That’s the view of the Inside Liverpool panel after the club’s transfer strategy has come under renewed scrutiny following the success of Luis Diaz at his new side, Bayern Munich.

The German side’s front three, which includes the Colombian, have scored a combined 100 goals in all competitions this season, becoming the first trio to do so for a non-Spanish club.

The 29-year-old has scored 26 times in 46 matches and recently featured on the scoresheet against Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

With hindsight, the Reds likely regret letting Diaz leave in a £65million deal last summer.

Since his departure, fans at Anfield have struggled to see a player who can replicate the qualities the Colombian possessed, particularly his relentless pressing and threat on the counter-attack.

Need for speed

While the Merseyside outfit have introduced teenager Rio Ngumoha on Merseyside, head coach Arne Slot will be mindful not to place too much pressure on the 17-year-old.

On talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool, former Liverpool player Jermaine Pennant urged the club’s hierarchy to find a proven replacement in the summer.

He said: “What Liverpool should be looking at is a player of the stature of Luis Diaz.

“When we were struggling, we would play him down the middle and he would do a great job and score goals. When you had your No.9 back, you would put him back on the left, so you need another versatile player.

“Because what you don’t want to find a substitute for Hugo Ekitike, and then when the main man comes back, you don’t want to be left with three strikers.”

Will the Scouser stay?

A similar situation could reoccur this summer regarding Curtis Jones, as uncertainty grows over his long-term future.

AFP

His current deal has only 14 months remaining, and his situation is being tracked by several clubs across England and Europe. The 25-year-old has only started 15 games across all competitions for his boyhood club this season.

Despite the lack of game time, the Liverpool-born footballer ranks second behind Rodri among midfielders for passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League.

Additionally, he is ranked second behind Moises Caicedo for passing accuracy and Rayan Cherki for number of carries.

Pennant spoke on the Englishman’s situation and how the club need to quickly act. He said: “We should keep him just for his versatility, it’s great.

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“You can put him anywhere in the midfield or at right back. You need that.

“He’s a local lad, he knows and loves the club and he can help a lot of the players understand certain things as well.

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“Ultimately, the last few games, he’s been phenomenal – one of the top performers.

“So, we should offer him a contract because this squad is dwindling. There are a lot of key players leaving and you need to keep the core. He’s a local lad and we have already lost Trent [Alexander-Arnold].

“Offer him a contract, and ultimately, it’s up to him if he wants to go somewhere where he can play week in, week out, but all the club can do is offer.”