Curtis Jones Asking Price Drops as Liverpool Consider Inter Milan Deal
Curtis Jones could be approaching a significant crossroads in his Liverpool career, with reports from Italy suggesting the club have softened their asking price for the midfielder.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Liverpool had been seeking around €40 million, approximately £34 million, for Jones. That position has reportedly changed as the transfer window moves towards its conclusion and Inter Milan continue to consider a move.
The situation carries added urgency because Jones has entered the final year of his Liverpool contract. At 25, the academy graduate remains a valuable member of the squad, although the possibility of losing him for nothing next summer inevitably influences the club’s thinking.
Inter Interest Remains Significant
Inter have already made attempts to sign Jones this summer.
Liverpool rejected an offer worth around £21.7 million in June and were understood to value the midfielder closer to £35 million. At that point, there appeared to be a considerable distance between Liverpool’s valuation and what Inter were prepared to pay.
Corriere dello Sport now report that Liverpool’s €40 million valuation has softened, potentially creating greater scope for negotiations.
That does not necessarily mean an agreement is imminent. Inter would still need to reach a figure Liverpool consider acceptable, while Jones himself would need to decide whether a move to Serie A represents the right next step.
His contractual position, however, makes this a decision Liverpool cannot comfortably postpone.
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool Face Contract Decision
Jones has spent his entire senior career at Liverpool after progressing through the club’s academy.
There have been periods where his technical ability, ball retention and capacity to operate in several midfield roles have made him an important player. Consistency and availability have occasionally prevented him from establishing himself as an automatic starter.
Liverpool are now entering a different phase under Andoni Iraola, and squad decisions are being made with the new head coach’s requirements in mind.
Jones is also one of several players Liverpool must make decisions on before the transfer deadline. Allowing another valuable player to enter the closing months of his contract without either an extension or a transfer would carry obvious financial risk.
That explains why some compromise over the asking price could make sense.
Accepting significantly less than Liverpool’s original valuation would still require careful consideration. Jones is homegrown, experienced at Premier League and European level, and entering what should be the strongest years of his career.
Inter Move Could Suit All Parties
For Inter, Jones would provide a technically accomplished midfielder capable of operating in tight spaces and carrying possession through pressure.
For Liverpool, a permanent sale this summer would guarantee a transfer fee rather than leaving the possibility of a free departure in 2027.
Much will depend on how far Liverpool are prepared to reduce their demands.
Inter’s previous offer was substantially below the reported asking price, meaning there remains work to be done even if Liverpool’s stance has become more flexible.
With the transfer window approaching its final weeks, this is now a situation worth monitoring closely. Jones has remained involved in Liverpool’s preparations, yet the combination of Inter’s continuing interest and his contract position means the possibility of a departure has become increasingly credible.
Corriere dello Sport’s report suggests Liverpool are recognising the realities of the market. Whether Inter can take advantage of that shift may determine where Jones is playing once the window closes.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool perspective, this one feels difficult to judge.
Jones has never quite reached the point where you could confidently say Liverpool absolutely cannot afford to sell him. Equally, letting a 25 year old homegrown midfielder leave for a discounted price feels uncomfortable when you consider his experience and technical quality.
There is also the contract problem. If Jones is not going to sign a new deal, Liverpool cannot simply ignore the situation and allow another valuable asset to move towards a free transfer.
That makes the reported reduction in asking price understandable.
I would still be wary of going too low.
Inter’s previous offer of around £21.7 million would feel light for a player with Jones’ Premier League experience, particularly when he should be entering his peak years. Somewhere closer to Liverpool’s original valuation would make the decision easier to accept.
I am also unsure how much Iraola wants him. That could ultimately be the most important factor.
If Jones is viewed as a genuine part of the new manager’s midfield plans, keeping him and trying again with a contract extension makes sense. If he is likely to become a rotational option while his deal continues to run down, Liverpool probably have to consider selling.
There is a reasonable argument on both sides. For me, anything close to £30 million starts becoming a conversation Liverpool should seriously entertain. Much below that, and I would rather keep him unless the player is actively pushing for the move.