Liverpool have flatly rejected Inter Milan's second transfer bid of £21.7 million for midfielder Curtis Jones, according to the ECHO. The Reds value their Academy graduate at approximately £35 million, benchmarking the fee against Conor Gallagher's January move from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool are prepared to risk losing Jones on a free transfer at the end of next season rather than sell him below their valuation.
Liverpool's Stance on Jones' Valuation
The club's refusal to negotiate at the offered price underscores their belief in Jones' worth. With Premier League midfielders like Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali commanding fees of £100 million and £75 million respectively, Liverpool consider the £21.7 million bid a pittance. The Reds are already planning a potential £86 million outlay for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, making a cut-price sale of Jones counterproductive.
Paul Gorst: Keep Jones for a Clean Slate Under Iraola
ECHO correspondent Paul Gorst notes that talks between Jones' representatives and Liverpool over a new contract have stalled since initial contact in January. He argues that keeping Jones for the upcoming season under new manager Andoni Iraola is the best course of action. "A fee of £21.7 million in this day and age is a pittance," Gorst writes, emphasizing that Jones has an ideal chance to break into the first team regularly and potentially reconsider a move to Italy.
Mark Jones: Squad Depth Requires Retaining Jones
Mark Jones, Liverpool FC Content Editor, points out that Liverpool's squad depth was insufficient last season, and three first-teamers—Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate—have already departed. "Curtis Jones shouldn't be allowed to be a fourth," he insists. Jones believes a fresh start under Iraola could be beneficial for the midfielder, who can play a key role. While looking forward to Trey Nyoni's development, Jones stresses that Liverpool would struggle to replace Jones given current transfer fees.
Richard Garnett: Serious Money or Let Him Go
Richard Garnett, Central Audience Sport Content Editor, acknowledges that a move to Inter appeals to Jones, but the clubs are far apart in valuation. He suggests that if Jones has his heart set on a transfer, Liverpool should negotiate closer to their £35 million valuation. "If they are serious about Jones, they should offer serious money and stop wasting everyone's time," Garnett writes. He also notes that losing Jones would remove the remaining Scouse heartbeat from the squad, urging Iraola to consider local talent to retain the team's identity.
What Should Liverpool Do?
The panel agrees that selling Jones for £21.7 million would be a poor decision. With a clean slate under Iraola, Jones could prove his worth and either earn a new contract or command a higher fee next summer. The Reds are content to risk losing him on a free transfer rather than accept a lowball offer. Inter's continued pursuit suggests they see Jones as a potential successor to Scott McTominay's style in Serie A, but Liverpool remain firm on their valuation.
