Liverpool reject Inter Milan's verbal approach for Jones

Liverpool have turned down a verbal offer of 25m euros (£21.7m) from Inter Milan for midfielder Curtis Jones, according to reports. The Serie A side's approach was rejected swiftly as the Reds have no intention of parting with the academy graduate during the January transfer window.

Background and context

Jones, 23, has been with Liverpool since the age of six and has made over 100 first-team appearances. He has played a rotational role under Arne Slot this season, featuring in 18 Premier League matches with six starts. The England under-21 international has contributed two goals and three assists across all competitions.

Liverpool's midfield has undergone significant restructuring in recent windows. The departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain last summer were offset by the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch. Jones remains a valued squad member, offering depth and homegrown status.

Inter Milan are seeking reinforcements in midfield after a mixed season. The Nerazzurri sit fourth in Serie A, six points off the top, and have been hampered by injuries to key players. Their offer for Jones was seen as a low-ball attempt given his importance to Liverpool.

Tactical and squad impact

Jones is comfortable as a box-to-box midfielder or in a more advanced role. His ability to retain possession under pressure and drive forward with the ball aligns with Slot's preference for technical, press-resistant players. Losing him would reduce Liverpool's midfield depth, especially with Thiago Alcantara's contract expiring and ongoing fitness concerns.

From Inter's perspective, Jones would have added creativity and energy to a midfield that has relied heavily on Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu. The Italian club may return with an improved offer before the window closes, but Liverpool are under no financial pressure to sell.

Transfer market context

The £21.7m valuation is well below market rates for a Premier League homegrown midfielder of Jones's age and experience. Comparable deals include Aston Villa's £30m signing of Youri Tielemans in 2023 and Manchester United's £60m acquisition of Mason Mount. Liverpool's stance signals that Jones is not for sale at that price.

  • Jones has two years remaining on his contract with a club option for a further year.
  • Liverpool have not signed any senior outfield players this window, focusing on retaining key assets.
  • Inter Milan may target alternative midfielders, such as Udinese's Lazar Samardzic or Porto's Alan Varela.

What's next for Liverpool and Jones

Liverpool are expected to resist any further bids unless a dramatically improved offer arrives. Jones will likely remain a squad option for the remainder of the season, contributing to Liverpool's push for a top-four finish and domestic cup success. Inter may shift focus elsewhere, but the rejection underlines the difficulty of prising young talent from Premier League clubs during the January window.

Filed under: Transfer News | LA Premier League Home