Inter Milan have officially announced the acquisition of Curtis Jones, sealing a deal worth roughly £30 million (about €35 million) with his former club Liverpool. Under the terms of the agreement Liverpool will receive a guaranteed sum of £25.7 million, with an additional £4.28 million payable through performance-related add‑ons. According to Sky Sports News, the contract also contains a 10 per cent sell‑on clause, ensuring Liverpool will benefit from any future transfer involving the midfielder.
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 could step into a more prominent role this season. Iraola’s comments suggest that while the club values Jones’s experience, they are keen to give younger talent a chance to develop in the first team. Liverpool’s transfer strategy this window has been heavily focused on strengthening the flanks.
The club has already turned down two bids from Brighton for winger Yankuba Minteh, the most recent offer reportedly reaching £60 million. In addition, Liverpool have been tracking Paris Saint‑Germain’s wide‑man Bradley Barcola, who is valued at around £145 million by the French side. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in Cody Gakpo, but Liverpool have indicated that they have no intention of parting with the Dutch forward at this stage.
Jones’s move to Italy marks the conclusion of a 16‑year relationship with Liverpool, a club he joined when he was just nine years old. He entered the final year of his contract before the transfer, making the decision to leave a significant moment for both player and club. During his time at Anfield, Jones made his senior debut in the 2018/19 campaign and went on to accumulate 228 appearances, finding 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 medal from the 2022 Champions League final. Jones is the third English international to sign for Inter this summer, following the arrivals of centre‑back John Stones and full‑back Djed Spence, both of whom joined the side under the guidance of former Liverpool defender Cristian Chivu.
The influx of English talent reflects Inter’s ambition to blend experience with youthful energy as they aim to challenge for domestic and European honors. Rich Morgan of Sky Sports noted that Jones’s departure leaves Iraola with a tactical puzzle to solve in midfield.
Under the previous manager, Arne Slot, Jones featured in 49 games, 34 of which came during Liverpool’s ill‑fated title defence, sharing duties with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. He was also occasionally deployed as an emergency right‑back. The new manager, however, has signalled a preference for using Florian Wirtz as the primary number 10 in a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, meaning Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch will now compete for just two central midfield spots.
Iraola will also have the option of calling on Wataru Endo and the promising Nyoni, who has impressed during pre‑season. The club has not ruled out reinvesting part of the £30 million received for Jones to secure a direct replacement, suggesting a proactive approach to maintaining squad depth.
In his emotional farewell, 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 continued, "So much has happened during my time here, both on and off the pitch. I've made my debut, won trophies, created 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 thanked the academy staff, coaches, and everyone behind the scenes, from physios to kit men, for their support throughout his development.
He also expressed gratitude to his teammates, describing the friendships forged as lifelong bonds, and to the fans, pledging that he will always remain one of them. "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," he said, before concluding, "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. To everyone who has played any part in my 16 years here, thank you.
I'll never forget it." The transfer underscores the evolving dynamics of both clubs: Inter continues to bolster its squad with experienced Premier League talent, while Liverpool looks to refresh its roster, focusing on youthful prospects and strategic signings to address the areas they deem most vulnerable. As the summer window progresses, both teams will be watching closely how these moves impact their campaigns domestically and in Europe.