Reds resist renewed Inter approach for academy graduate
Liverpool have received a third approach from Inter for Curtis Jones but remain unmoved on their stance that the midfielder will not depart unless a price north of £34m (€40m+) is reached, according to multiple reports. It follows two earlier bids understood to have been turned down this summer, as the Serie A champions test the club’s resolve over a player entering the final year of his contract.
Inter’s latest contact is said to have come via intermediaries, with journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that Liverpool simply reiterated their valuation. A previous offer of around £27m was rejected last month, having already dismissed an opening proposal of roughly £21m. The club’s internal view is that Jones, 25, remains an important part of the squad, particularly given his homegrown status and versatility across midfield roles.
Iraola’s message: keep Jones at Anfield
New head coach Andoni Iraola has signalled his intention to retain the former Kirkby academy standout, praising both his on-field contribution and local roots.
“I rate Curtis very highly. For me, he is a great, great player, and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing. It's very important that he's Scouse, that he's from here… I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time.”
Jones is understood to be assessing his options for more regular minutes, but the club’s posture remains firm. With 12 months left on the five-year deal he signed in 2022, he would be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs from 1 January, heightening the stakes for Liverpool as they balance squad planning with asset protection.
Bids and valuation at a glance
| Club | Reported bid | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Inter | ~£21m (€25m) | Rejected |
| Inter | ~£27m (€32m) | Rejected |
| Inter | Third approach via intermediaries | Understood to be below £34m+; stance unchanged |
Reporting in recent weeks has suggested Liverpool’s threshold sits at a minimum of €40m (around £34m), with some English outlets indicating a higher pound-sterling figure. Whatever the precise currency benchmark, the club’s message is consistent: meet the valuation or move on.
Why this matters for Liverpool
Jones’ situation is not just a balance-sheet exercise. He is a homegrown, locally developed player who helps Liverpool meet registration quotas while providing tactical flexibility. Allowing him to leave without a ready-made replacement would deepen concerns about depth and balance across midfield. While external interest, including domestic enquiries earlier in the window, has been noted in wider reporting, there is no indication from the club that a sub-valuation deal will be entertained this summer.
For supporters, the implications are twofold. First, there is reassurance in the club’s insistence on fair value for a player with prime-age upside and European pedigree. Second, the calendar creates pressure points: either a sale meeting the valuation is agreed in this window, a renewal is pursued in the autumn, or the risk of a free transfer to an overseas side materialises from January.
What happens next
- If Inter or another suitor reaches the £34m+ mark, Liverpool would consider a sale; anything less appears a non-starter.
- Should Jones stay, he is expected to be in contention under Iraola, who has made clear his preference to keep him.
- Absent a summer resolution, the club must weigh renewal talks before the winter opens the door to pre-contracts abroad.
With pre-season under way and the Premier League fixture list fast approaching, Liverpool’s firmness over Jones indicates a wider determination to avoid weakening a squad already adjusting to change. Inter’s next move, if any, will need to respect a valuation the club has broadcast repeatedly this summer.
