Liverpool keep Curtis Jones as Nottingham Forest move collapses

Fabrizio Romano announced that the planned move of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones to Nottingham Forest has been called off, delivering a crucial lifeline to the Reds. The club is scrambling for midfield reinforcement after an under‑whelming 2025‑26 campaign that left them short of quality options.

Liverpool spent £450 million on transfers last summer, a figure that underscores the scale of their recent investment. They are expected to commit a hefty chunk of change again this window, yet few new additions have materialised. Without significant reinforcement, the Reds cannot realistically challenge for the title this season.

Curtis Jones has emerged as the player Liverpool cannot afford to lose, according to club assessments. He has delivered when called upon, playing as a right‑back or central midfielder and giving 100 percent. Former manager Arne Slot did not always trust him, but his versatility remains valuable.

Jones had been linked with a move to the City Ground after expressing a desire to leave Anfield. Romano later indicated that the deal may now be off the table.

Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of midfielder Xaver Schlager as a free agent. The club also sold Elliott Anderson to Manchester City for £116 million, making the 23‑year‑old Englishman one of the world’s most expensive midfielders. These moves suggest Forest are not pursuing Jones and will rely on Schlager and the funds from Anderson’s sale.

The cancellation means Liverpool retain a versatile midfielder as they plan further squad changes. Under new boss Andoni Iraola, whose tactical style suits a pressing midfielder, Jones could become a key component for Liverpool’s midfield revitalisation.