Inter Milan have officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Curtis Jones from Liverpool for a reported fee of around £30 million (approximately €35 million). Under the terms of the deal, Liverpool will receive a guaranteed payment of £25.7 million, with an additional £4.28 million contingent on performance-related add‑ons. According to Sky Sports News, the contract also contains a 10 per cent sell‑on clause that will benefit Liverpool if Inter later transfers Jones for a higher amount. Inter’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, revealed that he had initially hoped to retain Jones at Anfield, but he also highlighted the potential of 19‑year‑old Trey Nyoni, who has impressed during pre‑season and could step into a more prominent role this campaign.
Iraola’s comments underscore the balancing act the club faces as it reshapes its midfield while also integrating promising youth. Liverpool’s transfer strategy this window has centred on strengthening the flanks. The Reds have already turned down two bids from Brighton for winger Yankuba Minteh, the most recent reportedly worth £60 million.
In addition, Liverpool have been monitoring Paris Saint‑Germain’s wide‑man Bradley Barcola, a player the French giants value at roughly £145 million. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, although Liverpool have so far signalled that they are unwilling to let the striker leave.
Jones, who entered the final year of his Liverpool contract, is ending a 16‑year relationship with the club that began when he joined the academy at the age of nine. He made his senior debut in the 2018/19 season and, over the course of his time at Anfield, accumulated 228 appearances and found the net 22 times.
His trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, a FA Cup, a Club World Cup and a runner‑up finish in the 2022 UEFA Champions League. Jones becomes the third England international to sign for Inter this summer, following the arrivals of centre‑back John Stones and full‑back Djed Spence, both of whom have joined manager Cristian Chivu’s side.
The influx of English talent reflects Inter’s ambition to blend experience with youthful energy as they chase domestic and European success. The departure of Jones raises tactical questions for Iraola. During the previous manager Arne Slot’s tenure, Jones featured in 49 matches, 34 of which came in the disastrous 2023/24 Premier League title defence. He shared midfield duties with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, and was occasionally deployed as a makeshift right‑back.
Iraola’s preferred formation appears to be a 4‑2‑3‑1, with Florian Wirtz slated to occupy the No 10 role. This configuration leaves Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch competing for two central midfield slots, while Wataru Endo and the emerging Nyoni provide additional depth. Iraola has hinted that the £30 million received for Jones could be reinvested to secure a direct replacement, suggesting that Liverpool remain active in the market despite the financial constraints imposed by the Premier League’s new financial fair play regulations. The club’s scouting network is reportedly focusing on versatile midfielders who can adapt to multiple roles, a quality that Jones demonstrated throughout his career.
In his farewell statement, Jones reflected on his journey from a nine‑year‑old academy hopeful to a seasoned professional and a father. He said, "After 16 years, it's time to say goodbye. I came here as a kid with a dream of playing for Liverpool, and I've been lucky enough to actually live that dream.
This club is all I've ever known. I came here as a kid and I'm leaving as a man with a family of my own, which probably puts into perspective just how much of my life I've spent here." He continued, emphasizing the personal milestones he achieved at the club: "So much has happened during my time here, both on and off the pitch. I've made my debut, won trophies, made memories I'll never forget, and I've become a dad. Having my daughter while I've been here makes it even more special because Liverpool isn't just part of my story any more, it's part of my family's story too." Jones expressed gratitude to the academy staff, coaches, medical team, and everyone behind the scenes who contributed to his development: "I want to thank everyone in the academy who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today.
There are people here who have known me since I was a kid and literally watched me grow up. Thank you to every manager and coach I've worked with for trusting me, giving me opportunities and always pushing me to become better. And a massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes – the physios, medical team, kit staff, chefs, analysts, security, media team, grounds staff and everyone else who makes this place what it is." He also paid tribute to his teammates and the supporters: "To all the lads I've shared a dressing room with over the years, thank you. I've played with some unbelievable players and made friendships that I know I'll have for life.
Thank you to the fans that stuck by me and always supported me. I will always be one of you." Concluding his message, Jones looked ahead to his new challenge in Italy: "Now it's time for a new challenge and a new chapter for me and my family, and I'm excited for what's ahead. But Liverpool will always be a massive part of me.
I came here as a kid with a dream and I'm leaving having lived it. So genuinely, to everyone who has played any part in my 16 years here, thank you. I'll never forget it." The transfer marks a significant moment for both clubs. Inter will add a player with Premier League experience and a proven record in high‑pressure situations, while Liverpool will need to re‑configure their midfield and continue to pursue reinforcements on the wings.
As the summer window progresses, fans can expect further activity as both sides aim to build squads capable of competing for top honours in their respective leagues and in Europe.