Inter’s Pursuit of Curtis Jones: A Test of Valuation

Inter’s pursuit of Curtis Jones is turning into a test of resolve – and of valuation – on both sides of Europe’s footballing divide.

The Serie A champions have gone back to Liverpool for the England midfielder, sharpening their offer as they look to reinforce Simone Inzaghi’s squad before the new season. The answer from Anfield, so far, has barely shifted.

Inter push, Liverpool dig in

Inter first tried their luck earlier in the summer, lodging a bid in the region of €25 million. Liverpool dismissed it and made their position clear: Curtis Jones is closer to a €40 million footballer in their eyes.

Undeterred, the Nerazzurri have returned through intermediaries with a new proposal worth about €35 million. It edges nearer to Liverpool’s valuation, but still not close enough to trigger serious negotiations. The Premier League club are showing little appetite for compromise.

For Liverpool, this is not a player they feel pressured to move on. Jones has entered the final year of his current deal, yet the club are prepared to let the situation run. The stance is stark: they would rather risk losing him for nothing in 2027 than cash in now at a price they see as below his true worth.

Inside Anfield, there is also a reference point. Tottenham Hotspur’s €40 million capture of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid earlier this year has been cited as a benchmark. If Gallagher commands that fee, Liverpool argue, Jones belongs in the same bracket.

Long-term admiration from Milan

Inter’s interest is hardly a summer whim. Their recruitment team circled Jones in January, sounding out a loan with an option to buy. Liverpool shut that down instantly, unwilling to let a homegrown regular depart on a temporary basis.

This time, Inter have come back with a permanent transfer in mind, armed with another Scudetto and a desire to refresh a midfield that has already carried them deep into Europe and to domestic dominance. They see Jones as a technically polished, tactically flexible option who fits the rhythm of Inzaghi’s system.

The admiration is real. The price remains the problem.

A Liverpool education

Jones is not just another squad player to Liverpool. He is one of the club’s own, a product of the academy who has worn the shirt at every level and grown into a dependable senior figure.

Since his debut in 2019, he has amassed more than 220 appearances, offering goals, assists and, crucially for successive managers, the ability to slot into several midfield roles without fuss. His close control, composure in tight spaces and knack for keeping the ball moving have kept him in the frame despite an increasingly crowded competition for places.

That versatility carries weight in Liverpool’s valuation. So does his status in the dressing room as one of the longest-serving first-team players.

Contract questions, clear priorities

There are no active talks over a new contract right now. Liverpool have not rushed to put fresh terms on the table, but the door is not closed. If the situation cools and the numbers align, they are understood to be open to discussing an extension.

The immediate priority, though, is simpler: keep Curtis Jones unless someone pays what Liverpool believe he is worth.

Inter have nudged closer. The next move is theirs.