Liverpool academy graduate Curtis Jones is set to leave the club to join Inter Milan. The two clubs have agreed on a transfer fee of €35 million (around £30 million), according to the BBC.
Liverpool accepted an initial offer of €30 million (£25.7 million) for Jones, with a potential additional €5 million (£4.3 million) based on performance. The 25-year-old player is expected to travel to Italy on Thursday for a medical examination. The deal also includes a 10% sell-on clause for Liverpool. In June, Liverpool rejected a verbal offer of €25 million (£21.7 million) from the Italian champions, as the English club valued Jones, who was under contract until summer 2025, at around £35 million. Recently, Liverpool indicated that an amount close to the £30 million Inter Milan paid for Djed Spence to Tottenham could facilitate a deal.A career of ups and downs at Liverpool
Jones has made 228 appearances for Liverpool since his debut in 2019 under Jürgen Klopp. Last season, he featured in 49 matches across all competitions but was only a starter in 18 Premier League games. Under Arne Slot, he failed to establish himself as an undisputed starter in midfield. Despite struggling to secure a regular starting spot, Jones remains a versatile player capable of playing in multiple positions. Personally, he is described as an honest and responsible player, always ready to take on responsibilities. His departure leaves a void in the squad, especially since new manager Andoni Iraola had expressed his desire to keep him: “I consider Curtis a high-quality player,” he said during his first press conference, adding that he wanted him to “continue performing as he has done so far.” With his departure, Liverpool loses a player who came through its academy, having joined at the age of nine. Jones becomes the third English player to join Inter Milan this summer, following John Stones and Djed Spence. His transfer marks another change for the Italian club, which is strengthening its squad with an experienced profile.A mutually beneficial transfer for both clubs
For Liverpool, this deal represents a good financial transaction. Jones had just one year left on his contract, and selling him now avoids a complete loss if he were to leave on a free transfer next summer. An alternative would have been to sell him in January for a lower fee or let him go without compensation.
From Inter Milan’s perspective, Jones’ arrival fits into a strategy of strengthening their squad. The Italian club had already expressed interest in January by proposing a loan with an option to buy, a proposal that Liverpool rejected at the time. This transfer therefore finalizes a long-standing project for the Milanese club’s management.
This departure echoes that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool last summer for Real Madrid. However, unlike Alexander-Arnold, Jones is heading to Italy rather than Spain. His arrival at Inter Milan could also pave the way for new opportunities for young talents at the English club, such as 19-year-old Trey Nyoni, who impressed during pre-season. The youngster could thus seize the chance to establish himself in the squad.
Jones, who proudly represents his local roots as a native of Liverpool, leaves behind a club with no players born in the city in its professional squad. The impact of this absence remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
