Inter Milan have officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Curtis Jones from Liverpool, sealing the deal for a reported £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 contingent on performance‑related add‑ons.
According to Sky Sports News, the contract also incorporates a 10 percent sell‑on clause, ensuring Liverpool will benefit from any future transfer involving Jones. Inter’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, admitted that he had hoped to retain Jones at Anfield but also highlighted the potential of 19‑year‑old Trey Nyoni, who could step up and fill the void this season.
Iraola’s comments underscore the club’s confidence in its youth pipeline and its willingness to give emerging talent a platform in the first team. For Liverpool, the summer window has been dominated by the need to bolster the flanks. The Reds have already turned down two bids from Brighton for winger Yankuba Minteh, the most recent offer reaching a staggering £60 million.
In addition, Liverpool have been tracking Paris Saint‑Germain’s wide‑man Bradley Barcola, a player the French giants value at roughly £145 million. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in forward Cody Gakpo, although Liverpool have made it clear that they are not prepared to part with him at this stage. Jones, who entered the final year of his Liverpool contract, is ending a 16‑year affiliation with the club that began when he joined the academy at the age of nine. He made his senior debut in the 2018/19 campaign and went on to tally 228 appearances and 22 goals for Liverpool across all competitions.
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 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 already linked up with manager Cristian Chivu’s side. The influx of English talent reflects Inter’s broader strategy of blending domestic experience with the technical flair of Serie A. Jones’ departure raises strategic questions for Iraola regarding the composition of Liverpool’s midfield.
Under former manager Arne Slot, Jones featured in 49 matches, 34 of which came during the club’s ill‑fated title defence, sharing duties with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. He was also occasionally deployed as an improvised right‑back, showcasing his versatility.
The incoming Liverpool boss, however, has signalled a shift in tactical approach. He intends to position Florian Wirtz as the primary No 10 in a 4‑2‑3‑1 system, which would leave Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch competing for just two central midfield slots. In addition, Iraola can rely on the likes of Wataru Endo and the promising Nyoni, who impressed during pre‑season, and the club may look to reinvest part of the £30 million received for Jones into a suitable replacement. In his heartfelt 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 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 achieved at Anfield: "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 thanked the academy staff, coaches, and the extensive support network that 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 statement, Jones expressed optimism about his next chapter: "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."