For 16 years, Curtis Jones has been part of Liverpool’s fabric. He joined the club at the age of nine, worked his way through the academy, and made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in an FA Cup tie against Wolves in January 2019. He went on to make 228 senior appearances, score 22 goals, and win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two Carabao Cups, and the Club World Cup.
But on Thursday, August 20, 2026, that story came to an end. Curtis Jones is set to join Inter Milan in a deal worth £30m — and his departure signals the beginning of a significant midfield shake-up under new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola.
Why Now? The Contract Conundrum
The numbers tell a straightforward story. Jones had one year left on his Liverpool contract. He had been in talks over an extension for several months, but no agreement was reached. In June, Liverpool rejected a verbal offer of €25m (£21.7m) from Inter, valuing their homegrown midfielder closer to £35m.
But Inter kept pushing. In July, intermediaries contacted Liverpool with a proposal to pay up to €35m. By Wednesday night, the deal was done — £25.7m upfront, £4.3m in add-ons, and a 10% sell-on clause for Liverpool.
From Liverpool’s perspective, the decision was pragmatic. As the BBC’s analysis noted: “It was either now, sell him for less in January, or he leaves for free next summer”. Selling Jones also generates “immediate pure profit on a home-grown asset”.
Iraola’s Dilemma: Wanted Him to Stay
This is where the story gets complicated. Andoni Iraola, appointed as Liverpool’s new head coach in June following Arne Slot’s dismissal after a disastrous Premier League title defence, didn’t want this to happen.
At his unveiling, Iraola spoke about the importance of keeping the Toxteth-born midfielder and maintaining a local identity in his team. In his first news conference, he said: “I rate Curtis very highly” and made it clear he wanted Jones to stay.
But the realities of the situation were impossible to ignore. Jones, despite making 49 appearances under Slot last season, started only 18 Premier League games and struggled to hold down a regular starting spot. He grew frustrated, finishing the campaign playing as a makeshift right-back.
“Jones, who has played six times for England, has been at Liverpool since the age of nine, but has been unable to secure a regular first-team starting role and cut a frustrated figure at times last season.”
The player was keen to pursue a new challenge and more game time. Liverpool, despite Iraola’s wishes, decided not to stand in his way.
The Midfield Shake-Up: Who Fills the Void?
Jones’ departure leaves Iraola with “some interesting questions over the makeup of his midfield”. But the answers are already emerging.
The New System
Iraola has indicated he will utilise Florian Wirtz in his preferred No. 10 role going forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation. That means Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch — all of whom have been tied down to new long-term deals this year — will be competing for two midfield spots in front of the back four.
The Academy Option
The most intriguing development is the emergence of 19-year-old Trey Nyoni, who has “really caught the eye in pre-season”. Iraola will now give him an opportunity to show what he can do. The BBC’s analysis framed it clearly: Jones’ exit “will give an opportunity for 19-year-old Trey Nyoni, who impressed in pre-season, to step up”.
The Squad Depth
Iraola will also be able to call upon Wataru Endo as an experienced option. With more than 10 days left in the summer window, Sky Sports noted that “do not rule out either the club reinvesting the £30m Jones fee in a replacement”.
The Transfer Window Reality
However, the most reliable reports suggest that Liverpool are unlikely to sign a new midfielder before the September 1 deadline.
According to The Athletic and other sources, Liverpool’s priority remains Bradley Barcola, the PSG winger they are chasing for a record fee. The club’s stance, as reported by journalist David Lynch, is that there is a “close to 0% chance” of signing a midfielder even if Jones leaves.
Instead, the plan appears to be internal promotion. As one report noted: “Currently, the more likely scenario is that Liverpool will not bring in a midfielder this summer, but will promote two young players”.
The English Exodus Continues
Jones becomes the third English player to join Inter Milan this summer, following John Stones and Djed Spence. It’s part of a broader trend at Liverpool: last summer, it was Trent Alexander-Arnold who left his boyhood club for Real Madrid; this summer, Jones has done the same.
For a club that has prided itself on its academy production line, losing another homegrown talent is a significant moment. Jones was the only Scouser in the first-team squad. That title now passes to someone else — or perhaps, to no one at all.
Curtis Jones’
departure is a bittersweet moment for Liverpool. He was a player who bled red, a local lad who lived the dream of every kid in the city. But in the end, football is a business, and the numbers didn’t add up.
For Iraola, it’s a test of his vision. Can he reshape this midfield without the man he publicly wanted to keep? Can Trey Nyoni step up and fill the void? And can Liverpool compete at the highest level with a squad that has now lost another homegrown heart?
The answers will unfold over the coming months. But one thing is certain: under Iraola, Liverpool’s midfield is undergoing a fundamental transformation. And Curtis Jones, the boy who joined at nine and left at 25, is now part of its past — not its future.
Curtis Jones is expected to complete his medical in Italy on Thursday and sign a five-year contract worth €3.5m net per season through to 2031. He will become the third English player to join Inter Milan this summer.
