£35m Liverpool midfielder to stay after dramatic transfer U-turn

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has been the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout 2026.

Back in January the Reds’ No17 was wanted by both Inter Milan and Tottenham - who ended up signing Conor Gallagher instead. But Inter are once again knocking on the door for Jones - knowing that sporting director Richard Hughes is facing a tough decision.

The 25-year-old is out of contract in summer 2027 - meaning the outgoing Premier League champions are running out of time to cash in.

Liverpool decision-makers want around £35m for a deal but Inter have stubbornly refused to meet the asking price.

And having missed out on deals for Marco Palestra and Nico Paz there is a sense that the Nerazzurri would rather move on for other midfield targets rather than be disappointed again.

Inter to turn to Pisilli

A report on Corriere dello Sport is claiming that the Jones deal is at stalemate and the Serie A title-holders are now planning to move for Italy international Niccolo Pisilli instead.

“One of the hot topics is midfield, where the Nerazzurri have attempted to accommodate Chivu's high interest in Liverpool's Jones since January,” the report reads.

“The Italian champions' management have been working on this deal, but haven't satisfactorily met the terms set by the Reds, who are asking for £35 million, a far cry from the €25 million offered by Milan. Jones also adds a significant salary.

“The situation is therefore one of active stalemate, meaning Inter are waiting to see if England signals openness.

“In the meantime, another avenue could emerge, one the Nerazzurri have already considered in recent weeks without ever taking action. Now the situation could change.

“Let's talk about Roma player Niccolò Pisilli , who meets all the requirements of Inter: young, 21 years old, Italian—a factor that puts the deal in pole position for absolute approval of the investment parameters—he's a national and is valued at €25 million and has a salary under €2.5 million.”

Inter's Jones deal at stalemate

That leaves Jones’ future thrown into chaos - with a deal reportedly already agreed on a five-year contract at San Siro. Juventus are reported to be among his other suitors in Serie A - and Premier League interest also appears to be hotting up.

Nottingham Forest have recently joined Arsenal and Spurs in the shakeup for Jones - who has accepted according to reports that his Anfield career may be at an end.

Jones could stay after all

There is a small chance he will be retained - and maybe even sign a new contract. Like everyone else he will be given a chance to impress new head coach Andoni Iraola.

And if the Spaniard decides he likes him then Jones could have a major part to play in the 2026/27 season.

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