Inter Milan have moved into pole position to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones after receiving a green light from the 25-year-old’s representatives regarding a summer 2026 transfer. Negotiations over a contract extension at Anfield have reportedly reached a complete standby phase, with Jones’ current deal set to expire in June 2027. According to reporting from Sportitalia and Fabrizio Romano, the Italian champions remain keen on the midfielder after Liverpool blocked a loan-to-buy approach in January, and they are now prepared to test the Premier League club’s resolve with a permanent offer as his valuation sits significantly below his previous €40m price tag.
Contract deadlock and Inter’s long-term interest
The impasse between Jones and Liverpool stems from a failed move in the January 2026 window. Reports in Italy indicate that Inter Milan attempted to secure the midfielder on a loan deal with a €40m option to buy, but Liverpool insisted on a contract extension prior to any exit—a condition the player declined. Writing on X, Fabrizio Romano noted that Inter's interest is dependent on the final price tag, which is expected to drop as the player enters the final 12 months of his contract. While Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the situation, Inter’s pursuit is the most advanced. Former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, warned that leaving Anfield often results in a career plateau, though the precedent set by Scott McTominay’s resurgence at Napoli has made Serie A an increasingly attractive destination for fringe Premier League talent.
Jones’ tactical utility under Arne Slot
Despite his status as a homegrown talent, Jones has operated primarily as a squad player under Arne Slot during the 2025/26 campaign. Competing for minutes against Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch, Jones has frequently been shifted into a utility role. This included a stint at right-back during a fixture against Crystal Palace, a performance Slot described as "very well, not perfect" when speaking to the press. Inter Milan purportedly view Jones as a successor to Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Davide Frattesi, valuing his technical security and high-energy profile in a three-man midfield. For Liverpool, the decision to sell may be influenced by a broader squad transition, with senior figures like Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson also nearing the end of their current cycles, necessitating a clear stance on Jones' long-term value before his market price depreciates further.
Liverpool must now decide whether to reopen talks or sanction a sale before the midfielder enters the final year of his deal.