Liverpool told it has saved millions through free Martin Zubamendi alternative

Liverpool tried and failed to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder , who has a $66m (£51m/€60m) release clause, during the summer. In the end, though, the Spaniard didn't want to leave his boyhood club.

And while links with other midfield options are inevitable before January, former striker Emile Heskey believes that might already have the answer. According to the ex-England international, the Reds when the next transfer window opens.

"Jones was phenomenal against ," Heskey told . "Over the summer, he would’ve seen Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi and he’d have been saying, ‘I’m here, why don’t you give me a chance?’.

"His performance at the weekend was his way of showing that Liverpool never needed Zubimendi! A lot of players will go to the manager and say it, but what they really want is for you to show them."

Jones has played more than 100 games for Liverpool but he has often been held back from hitting the next level because of minor injury setbacks at inopportune moments. But Heskey says that at 23, Jones is ready to take the next step.

"He’s been threatening that midfield position for years — coming on and scoring that wondergoal in the Merseyside Derby back in 2020 — but has been a little too inconsistent," he continued.

"This is where we want to see some consistency. We know he’s a fantastic player, both in the attack and his defending as well. He’s always making last-ditch tackles, putting his head where it hurts — he can do it. Now is his time. He’s a local lad and he’s showing that."

Liverpool.com says: While it is absolutely true that Jones is a really good option for Liverpool when he is fit and in rhythm, the Reds do still look a player light in the center of the field. Getting someone who is more suited to Slot's style than would be a good idea at some point in 2025 if a Zubimendi alternative was available on the market for a reasonable price.