Liverpool Midfield Transfer Chances Rated ‘Close to Zero’ Even if Curtis Jones Joins Inter

Liverpool appear increasingly likely to head into the new season without adding another midfielder, even if Curtis Jones completes a move to Inter Milan before the transfer window closes.

That was the significant update from journalist David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, as the pair discussed Jones’ expected departure and what Liverpool intend to do with the midfield minutes he would leave behind.

Lynch believes the situation surrounding Jones is now approaching a conclusion, saying there is “enough evidence to say that he’s obviously clearly on his way” and that his recent absence appears connected to “a transfer and an exit”.

On Inter’s interest, Lynch added: “It just looks like the writing is on the wall with that one.”

He went further, describing the situation as “a case of when not if now really”, although Liverpool are still waiting to discover the value of Inter’s eventual offer.

Liverpool Midfielder Signing Rated ‘Close to Zero Chance’

The more significant question is what Liverpool do next.

Davis raised the possibility that Trey Nyoni could inherit Jones’ midfield minutes, while money generated from a sale could potentially be directed towards another area of the squad.

Lynch’s response was unequivocal.

“I don’t know whether to talk about this because I just know people won’t like it,” he said.

He then revealed: “I had a conversation this morning. I think there’s, the way it was phrased to me is close to zero chance of a midfielder being signed this summer, even in the event that Curtis does leave.”

That would leave Liverpool attempting to redistribute Jones’ contribution internally rather than purchasing a direct replacement.

Trey Nyoni Could Inherit Curtis Jones Minutes

Jones played almost 3,000 minutes last season, something Lynch acknowledged would initially appear to leave an enormous burden for a young player such as Nyoni.

“I really don’t expect that Curtis will necessarily be replaced outside of Trey Nyoni taking his minutes,” Lynch said, before acknowledging: “It’s a lot of minutes.”

There is some additional context, because a portion of Jones’ playing time came at right back.

Lynch explained that this potentially makes the task facing Nyoni “a bit more manageable”, although he remains concerned about Liverpool’s midfield options.

“I’m still a little bit wary about what’s going on in that midfield and whether it’s the right mix and whether they just need one who could get around more,” he said.

Midfield Profile Remains a Concern

That concern links directly to Lynch’s earlier comments regarding Alexis Mac Allister and Liverpool’s options in the centre of the pitch.

Lynch stressed that Mac Allister is “a really good player”, describing him as “smart” and “a hard worker”, while raising questions about whether Liverpool possess the physical profile required for the midfield structure they are using.

He admitted that bringing in someone specifically suited to the system would provide reassurance, saying: “It would just make you feel better, wouldn’t it, if they got someone in who you knew they were buying for this football, who could perfectly work in that kind of double pivot.”

The likelihood of that happening currently appears extremely small.

“It just doesn’t look likely at all that that is going to be the case,” Lynch said. “I think the money is getting poured into other areas of the pitch.”

Lynch Would Be ‘Amazed’ by Liverpool Midfield Transfer

Lynch stopped short of completely ruling out an unexpected opportunity appearing before the window closes.

“You can never ever say there’s not going to be a kind of shot comes out of nowhere. An opportunity comes up Liverpool didn’t expect,” he explained.

Even that caveat did little to alter his overall expectation.

“Someone who would very much know about these things told me kind of close to zero chance. And I believe that’s the case.”

Later in the show, Lynch made his position even clearer.

“I’m pretty certain I’m going to be right about this, that they won’t sign a midfielder,” he said.

“I’d be amazed if they signed a midfielder. I would take that one as kind of a given at the moment. I would genuinely be really shocked.”

For Liverpool, then, a Curtis Jones departure does not currently appear to trigger another midfield arrival. The expectation communicated by Lynch is that Jones is heading towards Inter, Nyoni could absorb some of the available minutes, and Liverpool’s transfer resources are being directed elsewhere.