Curtis Jones: Liverpool Resists Inter Milan's Pursuit
Inter refuse to let go. Liverpool refuse to blink. And in the middle of it all sits Curtis Jones, a homegrown midfielder suddenly at the centre of a tug of war between the Premier League and Serie A champions.
Inter push again – but Liverpool hold the line
Inter Milan have renewed their pursuit of Jones as they work through a summer rebuild ahead of defending their Serie A title. Their interest never really faded after an initial approach earlier in the window was rejected; it has simply grown more determined.
An opening bid of around €25 million went in and came straight back. Liverpool, according to reports, were quick to make their stance clear: Jones is closer to a €40 million footballer in their eyes.
Inter have now edged nearer. Working through intermediaries, they have returned with an improved offer of €35 million. It still isn’t enough. Liverpool are standing firm, and there is no sign of them softening that valuation.
This is not a club in a hurry to cash in. The message from Anfield is simple: pay the price, or move on.
Contract ticking, but no panic at Anfield
Jones has entered the final year of his current deal, a detail that would usually tilt the power towards the buying club. Not this time.
Liverpool’s position has remained consistent throughout talks. Club officials are said to be ready to let the clock run down rather than accept a fee they believe undervalues one of their longest-serving first-team players. If that means risking the 23-year-old leaving on a free transfer in 2027, so be it.
Their argument has a reference point. Inside Anfield, Tottenham Hotspur’s €40 million move for Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid earlier this year is being used as a benchmark. If Gallagher commands that figure, Liverpool believe Jones, with his Premier League pedigree and versatility, sits in the same financial bracket.
The stance is calculated, not emotional. It is also a clear signal to Inter: there will be no bargain.
Long-standing admiration from Inter
Inter’s interest did not begin this summer. The Nerazzurri tested the waters back in January, exploring a loan deal with an option to buy. Liverpool barely entertained it. The proposal was dismissed without hesitation.
Now Inter are back with a permanent transfer in mind. A title-winning season has not dulled their ambition; it has sharpened it. They want fresh energy in midfield, a player who can knit play, keep the ball and offer tactical flexibility. In Jones, they see exactly that profile.
But admiration alone does not close deals. Not in this market, and not with this seller.
A Liverpool education that carries a premium
Jones is not just another squad player. He is a product of Liverpool’s academy, a local midfielder who has grown into a dependable first-team option since his debut in 2019.
More than 220 senior appearances tell their own story. He has contributed goals, assists and, perhaps most importantly for modern coaches, the ability to slot into multiple roles across midfield. Left-sided eight, deeper controller, advanced link player – he has done them all.
His technical quality and ball retention make him a useful cog in any system that values possession and control. That adaptability has helped him stay relevant despite the club’s heavy investment in midfield over recent windows.
Inside Liverpool, that history and reliability carry weight. They are part of why the club feel emboldened to resist anything below their valuation.
Future open, present closed
There are no active talks right now over a contract extension, but the door is not shut. Liverpool are understood to be open to fresh negotiations if the right terms can be found down the line.
For the moment, though, the priority is clear: keep Jones, unless Inter are willing to cross the €40 million line.
Inter have made their move. Liverpool have made their point. The next step is obvious: do the Italian champions push all the way, or accept that this particular Scouser will not be leaving Anfield on the cheap?
