Nerazzurri Make First Move for Anfield Academy Graduate
Serie A champions Inter have submitted an opening offer of €20 million for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The bid falls significantly short of the Premier League side's valuation, but it signals the Italian club’s determination to land the 25-year-old this summer.
Jones, a product of Liverpool’s academy, has grown into a regular first-team contributor, and his performances have caught the eye of Inter’s technical director Piero Ausilio. The Nerazzurri attempted to sign the English midfielder in January, and they are now ready to press forward with negotiations.
The Bid and Liverpool’s Stance
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inter’s initial package is worth €20m, but Liverpool are holding out for at least €30m. The Reds are under no financial pressure to sell—Jones’ contract runs until June 2027—and manager Arne Slot values the player’s versatility and technical quality.
However, the player’s willingness to seek a new challenge could prove pivotal. His teammate Federico Chiesa, who joined Inter last summer, appeared to hint at Jones’ desires in a recent social media exchange. When asked about a potential reunion, Chiesa responded with a wink emoji, sparking speculation that Jones is keen on a move to San Siro.
Inter are aware they must raise their offer to meet Liverpool’s demands. The club’s hierarchy is exploring the inclusion of performance-related bonuses to structure a deal worth closer to the asking price, while also monitoring other midfield targets as alternatives.
Jones’ Profile and Fit at Inter
Jones has developed into a tactically intelligent midfielder capable of operating in multiple roles. Under Slot, he has been deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box presence, and even as an attacking No. 8. His composure on the ball, progressive passing, and ability to break lines would offer Inter a different dimension in the middle of the park.
At Inter, manager Simone Inzaghi typically uses a 3-5-2 system that demands work rate and tactical discipline from his midfield trio. Jones could compete with Davide Frattesi and Nicolò Barella for a spot, adding depth ahead of a season that will include a Champions League campaign and title defense in Serie A.
“Curtis is a modern midfielder—he presses well, he’s technically secure, and he can play between the lines. Those qualities are highly valued in Serie A right now,” a source close to the player told La Gazzetta.
Moreover, Jones’ homegrown status at Liverpool means any sale would represent pure profit on the books, which could sway the Premier League club’s stance if Inter present a compelling enough package.
What’s Next?
The coming weeks are expected to bring further rounds of dialogue between the two clubs. Inter’s CEO Giuseppe Marotta is known for patient, shrewd negotiation, and he may look to leverage the player’s desire to move. If Liverpool remain firm on €30m, Inter could be forced to offload a fringe player to raise funds, with the futures of Kristjan Asllani and Hakan Çalhanoğlu potentially under review in a squad already well-stocked in midfield.
For now, the opening offer is just the start. As the January window showed, Inter’s interest is genuine, and a return to the negotiating table looks likely. Jones, who has made over 100 appearances for Liverpool since debuting in 2019, could become the latest English talent to try his luck in Italy—a path recently trodden by Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Quick Facts
Player: Curtis Jones
Age: 25
Position: Central Midfielder
Contract Expires: June 2027
Inter’s First Offer: €20m
Liverpool’s Asking Price: €30m
Previous Inter Attempt: January 2026
Key Takeaways
- Inter have opened negotiations with a €20m bid for Curtis Jones but need to increase their offer to meet Liverpool’s €30m valuation.
- Jones is open to a move to Serie A, with teammate Federico Chiesa dropping hints about his desire to join Inter.
- The 25-year-old midfielder’s versatility and tactical intelligence make him a strong fit for Simone Inzaghi’s 3-5-2 system.
- Liverpool may consider selling if Inter structure a favorable deal, with homegrown player sales offering pure profit under financial regulations.
- Inter are prepared to be patient but may need to sell existing midfielders to finance a deal.