Curtis Jones signs new long-term contract at Liverpool ahead of expanded role under Jurgen Klopp

The youngster has shone when afforded the opportunity to play under Jurgen Klopp this season

Melissa Reddy
Senior Football Correspondent
Saturday 04 July 2020 21:38 BST
Comments
Liverpool fans celebrate into the night after Premier League title win

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Liverpool have rewarded Curtis Jones with a contract extension on improved terms as part of the Premier League champions’ process of investing in their next generation of talent.

The 19-year-old, who has scored two goals in nine appearances for the club, inked a long-term deal last August.

He is primed for more minutes in midfield with Adam Lallana departing at the end of the season, but Liverpool have fielded several loan requests for the youngster stretching back to last summer.

The fresh terms extends Jones' association with the club from joining the Academy at Under-9 level.

“For me, as everyone knows, it's massive," he told Liverpool's official website.

Curtis Jones has renewed his deal at Anfield
Curtis Jones has renewed his deal at Anfield (AP)

“It's my boyhood club and it's the whole of my family's club as well, so for me it's huge.

“I think the environment and stuff is all positive and keeps me as positive as I can. Of course, we're working with a great manager and around the best team in the world, so for me it was easy and [I'm] extremely proud.”

Jones made his Premier League debut as a substitute in Liverpool's 3-0 win at Bournemouth in December before lacing a stunning long-range effort to decide an FA Cup third-round tie with Everton at Anfield.

He has also impressed while captaining the club's U23 and U19 sides this season.

Jurgen Klopp is eager to progress the development his standout youngsters, with Neco Williams and Harvey Elliott also falling into that category, but warned he will not be handing out undeserved appearances.

“They will not play just because I want to see them in a Premier League game,” he said.

“We want to win and to win football games the best players have to be on the pitch.

“If the young boys are part of these best players then they will be on the pitch – but we won’t give them Premier League matches just for fun. They cannot be handed out like sweets.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in