He may have settled the speculation with a selfie earlier this week, but there’s no denying that Curtis Jones’ post-game spat with Dominik Szoboszlai sparked plenty of concern at Liverpool.
The midfielder has been the subject of speculation and confirmed interest from Inter Milan since the start of the summer transfer window. The Italian giants even submitted an offer, only for Liverpool to deem it laughable at €25m (£21m).
Those at San Siro are not giving up anytime soon, however, and they should be delighted by Jones’ public frustration after Liverpool’s friendly victory against Wrexham.
Jones has just one year left on his current deal and, as things stand, all signs are pointing towards an Anfield departure.
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Why Curtis Jones should be playing key role under Andoni Iraola |
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Alex Scott comparison |
It feels absurd that Liverpool could be losing Jones just when Andoni Iraola arrives. The academy graduate is the closest player that the Reds have got to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The latter played a crucial role under Iraola and Jones should be using his progressive passing ability in the same way. |
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Captain Material |
Whilst it’s been Szoboszlai with the captain’s armband in Virgil van Dijk’s absence in pre-season, Jones is someone who should be fighting for that leadership position. As one of just two academy graduates left in the squad, there’s every chance that the midfielder would be in line to eventually play a role in Liverpool’s leadership group. |
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Liverpool have to avoid free deal |
How many times are Liverpool going to let star players leave for free? It was Trent Alexander-Arnold last summer and it was Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah this year. Now, it could be Jones just 12 months from now. The Reds simply have to tie the midfielder down to a new contract or sell while they have the chance. |
The Athletic have reported that Inter are still short of Liverpool’s valuation, despite their willingness to offer €35m (£30m), and that’s bad news for Jones as he continues to do his part.
Curtis Jones going all out to leave Liverpool
As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, translated by Sport Witness, Jones is now doing everything to leave Liverpool this summer.
Inter have reignited their interest, and although €35m (£30m) isn’t enough to appease those at Anfield, the Italians believe that they’ll have a better opportunity to seal their deal in late August. Indeed, CEO Beppe Marotta had a meeting with the club’s sporting team this week and they believe the Reds will be forced to sell as the deadline approaches due to hs contract expiring in 2027.
It’s now a game of patience for Jones, who is making ‘every effort’ to end his Anfield career in a whimper after he once looked destined for great things from the academy.
Inter, meanwhile, still have the task of matching Liverpool’s €40m (£34m) asking price unless their negotiating tactic pays off and forces FSG into a last-minute rethink.
