After sixteen years at Liverpool, Curtis Jones is closing in on a move to Inter Milan. Liverpool and the Serie A champions have struck a verbal agreement worth around €35 million.
Inter’s interest in Jones stretches back months, with the Nerazzurri identifying him as a target for their final summer signing as they looked to complete their squad. Manager Cristian Chivu viewed the Liverpool academy graduate as the ideal candidate to elevate the team’s quality.
The financial breathing room to push the deal over the line came in part from elsewhere in Inter’s squad. The expected departure of Davide Frattesi freed up funds to pursue Jones. Inter had also brought in John Stones from Manchester City and Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur.
For a time, Liverpool resisted, holding out for a fee closer to their valuation. But talks accelerated this week, with Inter preparing a fresh bid. Eventually, a verbal agreement was in place for a €35m deal. It represents a significant fee for a boyhood academy product with just under two years left on his contract.
Jones’ departure comes down to a mix of contract timing and playing time. His Liverpool deal was due to expire in 2027. That left the club facing the prospect of losing a valuable homegrown player without significant compensation the longer they waited. Jones had been in and out of the lineup and was keen to leave Anfield this summer. Nottingham Forest had also shown interest before Inter’s move took precedence.
Liverpool are not expected to move directly for a like-for-like replacement. Academy prospect Trey Nyoni’s progress has reportedly prompted a change of plan from manager Andoni Iraola. It’s the latest departure in a summer that has already seen Liverpool lose key faces, following Mohamed Salah‘s move to Trabzonspor and Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté leaving on free transfers.
It’ll be interesting to see what Jones looks like with Inter. He will be able to slot into the midfield and be an instant contributor for an Inter team that is looking to defend their Serie A title.
Leave a Reply