Inter Milan have officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Curtis Jones from Liverpool in a deal reported to be worth around £30 million (approximately €35 million). The agreement stipulates that Liverpool will receive a guaranteed sum of £25.7 million, with an additional £4.28 million potentially payable through performance‑related add‑ons.
According to Sky Sports News, the contract also includes a 10 percent sell‑on clause, meaning Liverpool will benefit from any future transfer fee if Jones moves again. Inter’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, revealed that he had initially hoped to retain Jones at Anfield but ultimately decided to give the 19‑year‑old Trey Nyoni a chance to step up this season. Iraola praised Nyoni’s development during pre‑season and suggested the youngster could fill the creative void left by Jones’s departure.
For Liverpool, the summer window has centred on strengthening the flanks. The club has already turned down two bids from Brighton for winger Yankuba Minteh, the most recent reportedly valued at £60 million.
In addition, Liverpool have been tracking Paris Saint‑Germain’s wide‑man Bradley Barcola, who is said to be priced at around £145 million by the French side. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in forward Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool have made it clear that they are not prepared to let him leave. Jones’s move to Italy marks the end of a 16‑year relationship with Liverpool.
He joined the Reds’ academy at the age of nine and progressed through the ranks to make his first‑team debut in the 2018/19 season. Over the course of his senior career at Anfield, he amassed 228 appearances and found the net 22 times. His résumé 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.
He becomes the third England international to sign for Inter this transfer period, following John Stones and Djed Spence, both of whom have also joined the side managed by former defender Cristian Chivu. The influx of English talent reflects Inter’s broader strategy of blending youthful energy with experienced European players. Jones’s exit raises tactical questions for Iraola. Under the previous manager, Arne Slot, Jones featured in 49 matches, 34 of which came during Liverpool’s ill‑fated title defence, where he shared midfield duties with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
He was also deployed at times as an emergency right‑back. Iraola’s new 4‑2‑3‑1 system is expected to rely heavily on Florian Wirtz in the No 10 role, leaving Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch to compete for the remaining two central midfield places. The Basque coach will also have the option of using Wataru Endo and the promising Nyoni, who impressed during the pre‑season camp.
In a heartfelt farewell statement, Jones reflected on his journey: "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 arrived as a youngster and I'm leaving as a man with a family of my own, which puts into perspective just how much of my life I've spent here." He went on to describe the personal milestones he achieved at the club, noting that becoming a father added a new layer of meaning to his time at Anfield: "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 thanked the academy staff who nurtured his talent, the coaches who gave him opportunities, and the behind‑the‑scenes personnel who kept the club running smoothly: "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 expressed gratitude 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 statement, Jones looked ahead to the next chapter in his career: "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." Inter Milan will integrate Jones into a squad that is aiming to challenge for Serie A honors and make a deep run in the Champions League.
His versatility—capable of operating as a central midfielder, attacking playmaker, or even a wide midfielder—adds depth to a side that already boasts talents like Lautaro Martínez, Nicolò Barella and the newly arrived English internationals. The €30 million fee is expected to be partially reinvested, with the club reportedly scouting additional midfield options to complement Jones’s skill set. For Liverpool, the funds from the sale will help finance their ongoing pursuit of a dynamic winger to replace the creative spark lost with Jones’s departure. The club’s strategy appears to focus on acquiring high‑potential players who can adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s high‑pressing, fast‑transition style, while also retaining core figures such as Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker.
Overall, Curtis Jones’s move to Inter represents a significant moment for both clubs: a fresh start for a player who grew up at Liverpool and a strategic acquisition for a Serie A side eager to bolster its midfield creativity and experience. The transfer also underscores the increasingly fluid nature of the modern football market, where young English talent is no longer confined to the Premier League but is sought after by top clubs across Europe.