Curtis Jones is heading into the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract, and the standoff over a new deal has put Europe's elite on alert. Inter Milan, the reigning Italian champions, are reportedly preparing a fresh approach for the 25-year-old this summer, sensing an opportunity to land a homegrown talent whose future at Anfield appears increasingly uncertain. With negotiations dragging on for months without a breakthrough, the midfielder's boyhood club now faces a pivotal decision: cash in or risk losing him for nothing in 2027.
The England international has been a Liverpool player since the age of nine, rising through the academy to make more than 150 first-team appearances. A technically gifted, hard-running midfielder, Jones played a key role in the club's domestic cup successes under Jürgen Klopp and earned a senior international call-up. Yet under Arne Slot, his path to regular minutes has become blocked. Despite his versatility and work rate, Jones has struggled to establish himself as a guaranteed starter in Liverpool's revamped engine room.
This season has been emblematic of his peripheral status. With Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo all competing for midfield berths, Jones has often found himself left out of the starting XI. Slot's system prefers a specific profile in the double pivot, and Jones' attributes—while useful in a pressing, transitional style—have not consistently earned him the manager's trust. Instead, he has been deployed as an emergency right-back, filling in for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley, a stop-gap solution that highlights both his adaptability and his failure to nail down a primary role.
Contract talks between Liverpool and Jones' representatives have been ongoing for several months, but sources indicate no agreement is close. The club values him at around £35 million, a figure that reflects his age, Premier League experience, and potential resale value. However, with the clock ticking toward 2027, that valuation becomes harder to enforce. Inter, who lodged an inquiry in January, are well aware of the situation. The Serie A side are long-time admirers of Jones' skill set, viewing him as a player who could thrive in their possession-based setup under Simone Inzaghi.
Inter's interest is not new. The Nerazzurri have tracked Jones for over a year and see him as a versatile option capable of operating as a mezzala or in a more advanced midfield role. His ability to carry the ball, press aggressively, and contribute in the final third aligns with Inzaghi's demands. With Henrikh Mkhitaryan now 37 and Davy Frattesi's future occasionally questioned, Jones could provide both immediate competition and a long-term solution. The Italian champions are prepared to test Liverpool's resolve, though it remains to be seen whether they will meet the £35m asking price for a player who could be available on a free transfer 12 months later.
For Liverpool, the situation carries significant financial and squad-planning implications. Allowing a player of Jones' quality to enter the final year of his contract without a resolution is a risk the club have been increasingly careful to avoid, having learned from past experiences with the likes of Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum. Yet the reality is that Jones has not been a central figure in Slot's first season, and the manager may view the potential funds as an opportunity to reshape the midfield further. The £35m fee, while substantial, might be reinvested in a player who fits the system more naturally.
Jones' recent activity on social media has also raised eyebrows. He was among several squad members who liked Mohamed Salah's critical post after a frustrating team performance, an act that some interpreted as a sign of dressing-room discontent. While it is common for players to engage with teammates' posts, the public nature of the dissent added another layer of uncertainty around Jones' mindset. Having grown up as a Liverpool fan, he has always been passionate about the club, but limited opportunities and a stalled contract could test even the deepest loyalties.
From Inter's perspective, acquiring Jones would represent a coup. The midfielder's homegrown status in England might not carry the same weight in Italy, but his technical upbringing and Premier League pedigree make him an attractive proposition. Inzaghi's 3-5-2 system relies on midfielders who can cover ground and provide thrust, and Jones' dynamic style could complement the likes of Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Moreover, entering a new league at 25, with his peak years ahead, offers the chance for a fresh start and consistent football.
As the summer transfer window approaches, both clubs are weighing their options. Liverpool must sell the project to a player who may feel his development has stalled, while also balancing the books and ensuring they do not lose an asset for nothing. Inter, meanwhile, must decide if they are willing to spend a significant fee now—or gamble that Jones runs down his contract and moves for free in 2027. The Italian side's squad planning, including potential outgoings, will likely influence their budget.
For Jones, the decision is equally consequential. A move to Italy would mean leaving behind the club he has called home his entire career, but also the promise of a starring role in a tactically sophisticated league. The midfielder has never been a guaranteed starter under Slot, and with Liverpool likely to add further reinforcements, that status may not change. A transfer could reignite his career and earn him a regular place in the England setup ahead of major tournaments.
The coming months will be decisive. If no extension is agreed by mid-summer, Liverpool may be forced to entertain serious offers, lest they risk a depreciating situation. For Inter, this represents a rare market opportunity to sign a Premier League-proven midfielder entering his prime. The £35m price tag may become the sticking point, but with both sides motivated to find a resolution, the groundwork is being laid for a saga that could define Liverpool's midfield rebuild and Inter's pursuit of continued domestic dominance.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.