Curtis Jones on the Market as Liverpool Faces Major Rebuild

Liverpool’s summer rebuild has taken another sharp turn, with Curtis Jones now firmly on the market and Inter Milan sensing their moment.

While the noise around Anfield has largely been about incoming wingers – with Bradley Barcola at the top of Liverpool’s list – the real movement in recent days has been around two players already in their prime. Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones are suddenly no longer untouchable.

If Liverpool land Barcola and another wide option, Gakpo has the green light to head for Tottenham. The Dutch forward has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, and a sizeable bid is being lined up. For a player signed as a long-term attacking pillar, that is a significant shift in strategy.

But it’s in midfield where the door has really swung open.

Inter clear the decks for Jones

Inter Milan’s pursuit of Curtis Jones has been one of the window’s most persistent subplots. The 25-year-old was their priority midfield target back in January and he remains top of their list now.

The Serie A champions have already tested Liverpool’s resolve several times this summer. Their biggest proposal reached around €30m (£26m), but each offer was pushed back. Liverpool’s stance then was clear: roughly €40m (£34m) or nothing.

Inter were never prepared to go that high. They had another issue too. Fabrizio Romano made it clear they would not return with a new bid until they created space in the squad by moving on Davide Frattesi.

That obstacle has gone.

Romano delivered his trademark “here we go” on Frattesi’s switch to Lazio earlier in the week, and on Friday he laid out the numbers: an initial €5m loan, a €10m buy option and a 50% sell-on clause in Inter’s favour. It’s a creative deal, but crucially, it frees Inter to go all-in for Jones.

One of the two conditions for a Jones move to San Siro is now complete. The other has just fallen into place as well.

Liverpool blink on the price

Liverpool have softened.

Romano reported that Inter still see Jones as their priority since May and now believe a deal is realistic at around €35m (£30m). That figure has quickly been backed up on Merseyside.

The Liverpool Echo revealed on Saturday afternoon that the club will now accept €35m / £30m for Jones, a notable drop from their previous demand of £34m. Talks with Inter had stalled in recent weeks, but that price cut changes the landscape.

“Negotiations with Inter Milan regarding Curtis Jones have stalled in recent weeks, but a breakthrough could be on the horizon,” the Echo reported, adding that £30m is now the Reds’ asking price.

For Inter, it’s the opening they have been waiting for. For Liverpool, it’s a calculated gamble: cashing in on a homegrown midfielder in his prime to reshape a squad that is already bracing for major change out wide.

Jones remains under contract, Gakpo is still a Liverpool player, and Barcola has not yet walked through the door. But the pieces are moving fast.

If Inter now step up with that €35m offer, Liverpool’s midfield could look very different by the time the window slams shut – and so could the trajectory of Jones’ career.