Liverpool Opens Door for Curtis Jones Exit to Inter

Liverpool’s summer reshuffle is starting to bite into the core of their squad, and Curtis Jones is suddenly right in the firing line.

While the noise around Anfield is dominated by the chase for new wingers – with Bradley Barcola the headline target – the real movement could come in midfield. If Liverpool land Barcola and another wide forward, Cody Gakpo is expected to be given the green light to join Tottenham, where he already has personal terms in place. One big name in his prime might leave. Another now looks firmly in play.

Inter clear the path for Jones

Inter Milan have not hidden their admiration for Jones. The 25-year-old has been at the top of their midfield shortlist since January, and that interest has never cooled.

They have already tested Liverpool’s resolve several times this summer, with their highest offer reaching around €30m (£26m). Each time, Liverpool said no, pointing to an asking price closer to €40m (£34m).

Inter were never going that high. They made that clear. Before they could even think about a fresh push, they had to make room in the squad and on the balance sheet. Davide Frattesi was the key.

Fabrizio Romano underlined that stance, stating Inter would not return with a new bid for Jones until Frattesi’s exit was agreed. No sale, no bid. Simple as that.

That obstacle has now gone.

Romano has since delivered his trademark “here we go” on Frattesi’s move to Lazio, confirming the deal as an initial €5m loan with a €10m buy option and a 50% sell-on clause in Inter’s favour. The numbers matter. Inter have created flexibility, and they have done it with a structure that still protects their future upside.

With Frattesi now in Rome, one condition for a renewed Jones push is satisfied. The other depended on Liverpool.

Liverpool soften stance on fee

That second barrier has just dropped.

Romano reported that Inter still regard Jones as a “priority target” and now believe a deal is realistic at around €35m (£30m). The message from Italy is clear: at that price, they are ready to move.

On Saturday afternoon, the Liverpool Echo backed that up from the Merseyside end. Their line was stark: Liverpool will now accept €35m / £30m for Jones, having previously been holding out for £34m.

Talks with Inter had gone quiet in recent weeks. Stalled, but not dead. The Echo now describes a “breakthrough on the horizon”, with the revised £30m valuation effectively resetting the negotiating table.

Inter wanted room in the squad and a lower price. They now have both.

Prime years on the line

Jones is not a fringe academy graduate being quietly shuffled out of the back door. At 25, he is entering what should be his best years, and Liverpool’s willingness to cash in at this stage underlines the ruthlessness of their rebuild.

He may not be alone. Gakpo, also in his prime and already aligned on terms with Tottenham, could follow him out of Anfield if Liverpool complete their wide attacking business.

For Inter, the equation is straightforward: a Champions League-winning club, fresh off a Serie A title, closing in on a technically gifted, homegrown midfielder from another European giant at a fee they consider manageable.

For Liverpool, the question cuts deeper. How many pillars of this squad are they prepared to move on in one window to reshape the next era?