Inter Milan’s pursuit of Curtis Jones has reached a stalemate, with Liverpool rejecting two bids for the midfielder as the two clubs remain divided by a significant valuation gap. According to reports from TEAMtalk, Inter has seen offers of £18 million and £21 million dismissed by the Anfield hierarchy, who are holding out for a fee closer to £35 million.
Why is there such a large gap in valuation?
Liverpool’s firm stance is rooted in the current English transfer market, where they believe homegrown talent commands a premium regardless of a player’s contract length. According to Anfield sources, the club points to the inflated market environment—specifically citing Manchester City’s reported plans to spend over £120 million on Elliot Anderson—as justification for their £35 million valuation. Conversely, Inter Milan argues that because Jones has only 12 months remaining on his contract and has expressed a clear desire to move to Italy, the standard Premier League “homegrown premium” should not apply. Representatives for the player reportedly view a figure below £30 million as a more realistic compromise given his current situation.
How does Jones’ contract situation impact the deal?
With Jones entering the final year of his deal, his leverage to dictate his future has increased, though Liverpool maintains control over the transfer fee. According to TEAMtalk, the midfielder has made it clear that he views his time at Anfield as coming to a natural end and prefers a move to the Serie A champions. Despite this, Liverpool is determined to avoid letting an academy graduate leave for what they perceive as a bargain price. The club’s refusal to accept the £21 million offer signals that they are willing to risk losing the player for free next summer rather than setting a precedent of underselling homegrown talent.
What are the long-term career implications for Jones?
Jones is seeking a move to Italy due to limited playing time and a tactical mismatch with manager Andoni Iraola. During the 2025/26 campaign, the midfielder started only 18 Premier League games. Sources indicate that Jones feels his playing style is not suited to the high-energy, high-intensity system implemented by Iraola. By moving to Inter Milan, the 25-year-old hopes to secure a more consistent role in a tactical environment that better utilizes his specific skill set. For Liverpool, the decision to sell or keep Jones will be determined by whether they can find a buyer willing to meet their valuation before the transfer window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why hasn’t the Curtis Jones deal been completed yet?
The clubs are roughly £14 million apart in their valuations, with Liverpool holding out for £35 million while Inter Milan has only reached £21 million. - Is Curtis Jones interested in moving to other Premier League clubs?
No. According to reports, Jones has explicitly stated his preference is to join Inter Milan and is not considering a move to another English side. - What is the main factor driving Liverpool’s high valuation?
Liverpool is using recent high-value domestic transfers, such as the interest in Elliot Anderson, to set a price floor for their own homegrown players.
Are you following the latest developments in the summer transfer window? Join the conversation in the comments section below and let us know if you think Liverpool should lower their asking price to facilitate the deal.
