Liverpool's Transfer Dilemma: Curtis Jones Under Threat
Liverpool’s summer window has been loud without actually being busy. Three signings through the door, yet a new name seems to be thrown into the rumour mill every 48 hours. The squad still has obvious areas that need work, but the next decisive move remains stuck in neutral.
Inter, Newcastle and a chain reaction around Curtis Jones
Right now, Liverpool’s attention appears to be fixed on Paris Saint-Germain duo Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola. The problem? PSG’s valuations are miles away from Liverpool’s. Talks haven’t moved past the staring contest stage.
While Liverpool hesitate, other clubs are starting to move pieces that could hit Anfield hard.
Inter Milan, determined to reshape their midfield, have turned to the Premier League. According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have offered Newcastle United the chance to sign Davide Frattesi, with the Magpies also enquiring about highly rated youngster Aleksandar Stankovic.
Newcastle need a midfielder after Bruno Guimaraes’ departure and have already watched a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg slip away. Frattesi has now been put firmly on their radar, with Inter valuing the Italy international at around €30m (£26m / $35m). Juventus have also shown interest, but Newcastle have been told clearly: he’s available.
Frattesi is believed to be open to a move to England. If Newcastle bite, Inter’s plan becomes clearer. Offloading Frattesi would create the financial room they want to go hard for Curtis Jones, a player they are said to be “determined” to bring to San Siro.
That’s where Liverpool’s transfer strategy could suddenly be ripped up.
Jones: contract ticking down, future wide open
Inside Anfield, Jones is the name most likely to leave this summer. He is into the final year of his contract. There are no active talks over an extension. Right now, an exit feels more probable than a new deal.
The clock is hurting Liverpool’s bargaining position. With just a year left, they will not get a fee that truly reflects his value. At the same time, that valuation remains the key obstacle to any agreement. Liverpool want a certain figure. Interested clubs see the contract situation and push back.
Inter’s manoeuvring with Newcastle changes the picture. If they cash in on Frattesi, they would have more than enough to meet Liverpool’s demands for Jones. That, in turn, would force Liverpool to pivot in the market and find another midfielder before the window closes.
A bad time for Liverpool to lose Jones
On paper, Liverpool’s midfield looks crowded. Names everywhere. Depth charts full.
In reality, it’s not that simple. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister struggled to convince over the course of last season. Form dipped, questions grew. No one can say with certainty whether this unit is about to click or creak.
That makes Jones a problem Liverpool can’t easily afford to lose.
He fits Andoni Iraola’s high-energy, front-foot style. He can press, carry the ball, and link play – the kind of profile that usually thrives under a demanding, aggressive coach. With Iraola admitting his squad are short of full fitness, heavy rotation and regular in-game changes feel inevitable. Players like Jones, who can slot into different roles and maintain intensity, become invaluable.
Yet there’s another layer. Jones’ trust in the club has taken a hit. After Arne Slot failed to use him consistently last term, his willingness to stay is no longer a given. If a club like Inter arrive with a clear plan and a central role, the temptation will be real.
Plenty can still change before the window slams shut. But if Inter turn Frattesi into cash and push that money towards Anfield, Liverpool will have a stark choice to make: dig in and risk losing Jones for less later, or sell now and scramble for a replacement in a market already running hot.
