Inter Milan have made a new approach for Curtis Jones and are willing to raise their offer for the Liverpool midfielder to €35m (£30m). The Italian champions had a €25m bid rejected in June, but fresh contact this week signals their determination to land the 25-year-old England international.
Inter's Persistent Pursuit of Curtis Jones
According to sources, Inter's intermediaries have outlined their willingness to increase the bid to €35m, but Liverpool value their homegrown player at closer to €40m. With Jones having only one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, the Reds face a dilemma: sell now or risk losing him for free next summer.
Jones has struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Liverpool, and frustration was evident last season under Arne Slot. A recent incident during the friendly against Wrexham in New York, where Jones appeared upset over not receiving the captain's armband, has fueled speculation about his future.
Liverpool's Stance and Andoni Iraola's Influence
New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has publicly emphasized the importance of keeping Jones and maintaining a local identity at the club. However, the prospect of losing him for nothing next year, combined with Inter's persistence, may test Liverpool's resolve.
Liverpool's valuation of €40m reflects Jones's potential and his status as a homegrown player, but with only one year left on his deal, the negotiating power shifts slightly toward the buying club. Inter's improved offer of €35m is still below Liverpool's asking price, but a compromise could be reached.
Comparative Transfer Fees: Jones vs. Similar Midfielders
To put the fee into perspective, here's a comparison of recent midfield transfers in the Premier League and Serie A:
| Player | Age | Transfer Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curtis Jones (potential) | 25 | €35m | 2025 |
| Mason Mount | 24 | €64m | 2023 |
| Declan Rice | 24 | €116m | 2023 |
| Sandro Tonali | 23 | €64m | 2023 |
As shown, €35m for a player with one year left is not unreasonable, but Liverpool's valuation is higher due to his homegrown status and potential resale value.
Key Takeaways
- Inter have made a fresh approach for Curtis Jones with a €35m (£30m) offer.
- Liverpool rejected a €25m bid in June and value Jones at €40m.
- Jones has one year left on his contract, increasing the urgency for Liverpool to decide.
- New coach Andoni Iraola wants to keep Jones, but the risk of losing him for free next summer is real.
- The transfer saga could conclude before the summer window closes.