In a dramatic twist that could reshape Liverpool’s squad for the 2026/27 season, two key figures from Arne Slot’s squad are edging closer to Anfield exits, with contract standoffs and ambitious suitors creating major summer transfer speculation.
Curtis Jones, the homegrown midfielder who has embodied Liverpool’s academy success story, is reportedly preparing to leave the club at the end of the current campaign. Sources indicate that the England international has seen stalled talks over a new contract, despite his significant contributions in a red shirt.
The 25-year-old has made 222 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 24 assists. A product of the Merseyside club’s youth system, Jones has established himself as a versatile and technically gifted central midfielder. However, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027 and negotiations at an impasse, his days at Anfield appear numbered.
Aston Villa are understood to be planning a formal bid for the midfielder in the upcoming transfer window. Interest does not stop there: Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also been linked with the player, underlining the Premier League-wide appeal of a homegrown talent available at a potentially attractive price.
The situation represents a significant blow for Liverpool, who have long prided themselves on developing and retaining academy graduates. Jones’ potential departure would free up funds but also leave a creative void in midfield that Slot would need to address swiftly.
Compounding the midfield concerns, goalkeeper Alisson Becker finds himself at the centre of high-profile interest from Italy. Juventus have made a concrete offer to the Brazilian shot-stopper, who has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success since his £67 million arrival from Roma in 2018.
Although Liverpool exercised a 12-month option earlier this year to extend Alisson’s contract until the summer of 2027, the 33-year-old is reportedly open to a move back to Serie A. According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Juventus view the former Roma keeper as their primary target to strengthen the goalkeeping department, especially with uncertainties surrounding current options like Mattia Perin.
The Bianconeri are preparing a three-year contract, though it would come with a salary reduction compared to Alisson’s current €8 million annual earnings at Liverpool. The move would represent a homecoming of sorts for the experienced international, who previously worked under Juventus’ current managerial setup during his time in Italy.
Adding further goalkeeping intrigue, young Hungarian prospect Armin Pecsi could also depart. The 21-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Puskas Akademia in the summer of 2025, has caught the eye of Spanish side Sevilla. The La Liga club has placed the Hungary Under-21 international on their agenda for next season, potentially as a route to regular first-team football.
These developments paint a picture of a transitional summer at Anfield. With Alisson potentially generating a substantial fee — even if not matching his original transfer record — Liverpool could suddenly possess a significant war chest to reinvest in the squad. A £67 million-plus windfall from the goalkeeper’s sale would ignite ambitions in the market, allowing the club to target reinforcements across the pitch while managing the loss of experienced leaders.
For Curtis Jones, the “ghosting” of Anfield talks signals a player seeking a fresh challenge where he can play a more central role. A move to a club like Aston Villa could offer regular minutes and a platform to push for a stronger England call-up.
Liverpool fans will be watching closely as the season draws to a close. Arne Slot and the recruitment team face critical decisions: whether to fight to retain their homegrown star or cash in and rebuild, while simultaneously deciding if Alisson’s era at Anfield is truly coming to an end.
One thing is clear — the summer of 2026 promises to be one of the most eventful in recent Liverpool history, with high-stakes deals that could define the club’s trajectory for years to come.