Full Breakdown
Curtis Jones Set for Inter Milan Move as Liverpool Near Transfer Deadline
8/20/2026, 12:59:04 AM
Core Transfer Details
- Inter Milan have offered €30 million, potentially rising to €35 million, for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, who has one year left on his contract.
- Liverpool would likely sanction the departure for a fee around £30 million, comparable to the €35 million Inter paid Tottenham for Djed Spence.
- A verbal agreement was reported on 19 August 2026, with a medical to be arranged before the transfer is finalised.
- The summer transfer window closes on 1 September, creating urgency for both sides.
Background & Context
- Jones joined Liverpool’s academy at age nine and debuted in the 2018-19 season. He has made 228 appearances, scoring 22 goals and providing 25 assists.
- In 2025-26 he featured 49 times but started only 18 Premier League matches, often out of position.
- Inter identified Jones as a priority target early in the summer, making a rejected bid in January and a second bid in June that Liverpool turned down.
Data & Statistics
- Total Liverpool appearances: 228 (including 49 last season)
- Goals: 22; Assists: 25
- Premier League starts last season: 18 of 34 appearances
- Contract: expires summer 2027 (one year remaining)
- Reported fee range: €30-35 million (£30 million) – similar to Inter’s recent €35 million Djed Spence deal
Official Statements & Responses
- Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola praised Jones as a “great, great player” with strong character and expressed a desire to keep him beyond the current season.
- Inter manager Cristian Chivu described Jones as an important addition to the midfield, underscoring the club’s commitment to the transfer.
Criticism & Opposition
- Former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer warned the sale could hurt the club’s long-term interests.
- Analyst David Lynch argued Liverpool are unlikely to sign a replacement before the 1 September deadline, risking reduced squad depth.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fee figures differ: some sources cite €30 million, others €35 million, while Liverpool’s internal valuation is nearer €40 million.
- The deal’s structure (add-ons, performance clauses) has not been disclosed.
- No official confirmation of the medical outcome or the length of Jones’s contract with Inter has been released.
Timeline
- January 2026 – Inter first express interest, propose a loan-with-option (rejected).
- June 2026 – Inter submit a €25 million bid; Liverpool reject it.
- July 2026 – Negotiations resume; Inter indicate willingness to raise the offer.
- 19 August 2026 – Verbal agreement reached; medical planned.
- 1 September 2026 – Transfer-window deadline.
What’s Next
- Jones is expected to undergo a medical in the days after the 19 August agreement.
- Final contract details with Inter, including length and performance clauses, are to be confirmed before the deadline.
- Liverpool will need to address midfield depth, potentially exploring signings before the window closes.
