Andoni Iraola ‘blown away’ by who Liverpool have chosen to replace Curtis Jones – Exclusive

Liverpool considered signing Bruno Guimaraes or Sandro Tonali to replace Curtis Jones, though TEAMtalk can reveal who’ll actually fill the void.

Liverpool are ready to thrust teenager Trey Nyoni into their first-team plans this season following the £30m departure of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan, with the midfielder’s emergence a major reason why the Reds are not looking to make another central midfield signing, TEAMtalk understands.

Nyoni enjoyed an outstanding pre-season and has convinced new head coach Andoni Iraola that he is ready to move beyond being viewed simply as an academy prospect.

TEAMtalk Insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Iraola was initially concerned about Liverpool’s midfield depth when it became clear Jones’ future was uncertain and wanted the club to assess other options.

“Before pre-season I am told that Andoni Iraola, aware of the Curtis Jones situation, was worried about the depth – one reason he wanted Jones to stay,” Bailey said.

That concern led Liverpool to explore a wide range of alternatives, with Bailey adding noting Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali – who transferred to Arsenal and Tottenham respectively this summer – came under consideration.

Bailey added: “Iraola also wanted work done on other options and we can confirm that was the case.

“A host of options were assessed – they looked at the Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes situations, but they were not right for them.”

Liverpool also carried out extensive work on younger midfield targets, with Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Lamine Camara among those assessed.

“But the likes of Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Lamine Camara – very good young players – have been assessed and they like what they have seen and heard, but we are talking £50, £60 or even more than £70million in terms of deals.”

However, the biggest development came from within.

Liverpool, Andoni Iraola wowed by Trey Nyoni progression

Nyoni, who was already highly regarded at the club, took his opportunity during pre-season and has now changed the thinking around whether Liverpool need another senior midfielder.

Bailey continued: “Then in comes Nyoni and he has blown Iraola away, they firmly believe he is first-team ready and can compete with the likes of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister – they really see that as a midfield four and they even have Endo still around.”

That is a major endorsement of the 18-year-old, with Nyoni now being viewed as a genuine first-team option rather than simply a player who might make occasional appearances.

Liverpool’s decision not to replace Jones directly therefore reflects the confidence they now have in Nyoni’s development.

The club had explored the possibility of adding an established midfielder, but the costs involved in several of their targets also played a part in the decision to trust a player already inside the squad.

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“So a lot of Liverpool fans wondering why they are not seeing a new midfielder, even with Jones’ exit, the answer is simple – the club say they don’t need it.”

Bailey does, however, acknowledge that Liverpool’s stance could still change if the market presents an opportunity.

He added: “I would point out the club said the same about a defender and then moved for Ronald Araujo, but I believe they do think they are in good shape in terms of midfield – because of Nyoni’s progress.”

For now, the Reds’ midfield hierarchy is taking shape around Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Nyoni, with Wataru Endo providing further depth.

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Nyoni’s emergence has also allowed Liverpool to focus their resources elsewhere. The club’s priority remains bringing in at least one new winger, while the midfield is no longer seen internally as an area requiring another major addition.

The teenager is expected to be given meaningful opportunities this season and is already preparing to challenge established names for minutes.

Liverpool’s decision may therefore look surprising from the outside following Jones’ departure, but internally the message is clear: they believe Nyoni is ready.