Inter Milan have officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Curtis Jones, completing a transfer worth roughly £30 million (about €35 million) from Liverpool. The agreement stipulates that 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 deal also contains a 10 per cent sell‑on clause, guaranteeing Liverpool a share of any future transfer fee should Jones move again. Inter’s head coach, Andoni Iraola, revealed that he had wanted to retain Jones at Anfield, but he also highlighted the potential for 19‑year‑old Trey Nyoni to step up and fill the void this season.
Iraola’s comments suggest that the Italian side sees Nyoni as a promising domestic talent who could benefit from increased responsibility in the Premier League. Liverpool’s transfer strategy this window has centred on strengthening the flanks. The club has already turned down two bids from Brighton for winger Yankuba Minteh, the latest offer reportedly reaching £60 million.
In addition, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Paris Saint‑Germain’s rising star Bradley Barcola, a player the French side values at around £145 million. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have expressed interest in forward Cody Gakpo, although Liverpool have indicated that they are not prepared to let the Dutch international depart.
Jones entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool, meaning his move to Italy effectively ends a 16‑year relationship with the club that began when he joined the academy at the age of nine. Over the course of his senior career at Anfield, Jones made 228 appearances and found the net 22 times. He debuted for the first team in the 2018/19 season and quickly became a versatile option, capable of playing both in central midfield and as a makeshift right‑back when required. He is the third England international to sign for Inter this transfer period, following the arrivals of centre‑back John Stones and full‑back Djed Spence, both of whom have joined the squad overseen by former Liverpool defender Cristian Chivu.
During his tenure at Liverpool, Jones collected an impressive haul of silverware: two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, a Club World Cup, and a runner‑up finish in the 2022 Champions League. These achievements underline his experience at the highest level of European football. Rich Morgan of Sky Sports noted that Jones’ departure poses tactical questions for Iraola, who must now decide how to reshape his midfield. Under previous manager Arne Slot, Jones featured in 49 matches, 34 of which came during Liverpool’s ill‑fated title defence, sharing duties with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
He also spent considerable time covering at right‑back, showcasing his adaptability. The incoming Liverpool manager has signalled a shift in formation, favouring a 4‑2‑3‑1 system with Florian Wirtz occupying the traditional No 10 role. This tactical tweak means Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch will now be competing for only two central midfield places, increasing the pressure on each player to perform. Iraola will also have the option of deploying veteran Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo and the promising Nyoni, who impressed during pre‑season.
The club has not ruled out reinvesting part of the £30 million received for Jones to secure a direct replacement. In his 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 leave now 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 paid tribute to the academy that nurtured him, saying, "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." He also expressed gratitude to the coaching staff, medical team, kit crew, analysts and all the behind‑the‑scenes personnel who contribute to the club’s daily operations. He concluded with heartfelt thanks to his teammates and 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." Looking ahead, Jones said, "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."