Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Curtis Jones may have to leave Anfield to fulfill his ambitions of being a first-team regular. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has one year left on his contract, is the subject of interest from Serie A champions Inter Milan, with reports in Italy claiming the two clubs are currently negotiating over a deal.
Transfer Talks Intensify
Liverpool are believed to be holding out for around £35 million for the city-centre-born player, who has made 228 appearances for his boyhood club since making his debut in January 2019 in an FA Cup defeat to Wolves. Jones has 12 months left on his Reds contract and was the subject of an approach by Inter in the January transfer window before the club made it clear they would not allow a mid-season sale.
However, with the Italians back at the negotiating table, Jones's future is unclear. The midfielder played more under Arne Slot than he did under Jurgen Klopp, but Barnes thinks a change of scenery could benefit him.
Barnes Advises Move
“Of course I’d want him to stay at Liverpool because I love Curtis,” Barnes told Betfred. “Curtis has to decide though whether he wants to be a player that plays every single week or stay at a club and be part of a squad.
“He played more under Arne Slot than he did under Jurgen Klopp and it suited him. However, at 25 years old, he needs to decide whether he wants to play every week.
“He loves Liverpool, he’s a local lad and even if he doesn’t play every week, he’d be a great asset to the squad, but for his own career and if he wants to play every week, the best thing for him will be to go.”
Jones has been with Liverpool since the age of nine and has developed into a key squad member, but with competition for places in midfield, his opportunities could be limited. Inter's interest provides a potential exit route, and the coming weeks will determine whether he remains at Anfield or seeks regular football elsewhere.
