Inter's pursuit of Curtis Jones is moving, but it is not moving cheaply. There was a meeting between Inter and Liverpool representatives in Monte Carlo on Wednesday, and the two clubs are still separated by price, structure and a sell-on clause.
Why the deal is still open
The numbers explain why the talks have not landed yet. Liverpool are holding out for €30m-€35m, while Inter are willing to pay €22m-€25m with bonuses. That gap alone is enough to slow any deal down, and the size of Jones's sell-on clause is also part of the hold-up.
The reporting is not saying the move has stalled. La Gazzetta dello Sport said the Monte Carlo meeting "has not resulted in an agreement for Jones, but there are positive signals that the parties are moving closer." That is the right reading here. The transfer is alive, but the clubs are still bargaining over a player Liverpool do not appear prepared to let go on the cheap.
Why Inter still like Jones
Inter are not chasing a fringe player. Jones has made 49 competitive appearances for Liverpool this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. He has also been used at right-back by Arne Slot this season because of Conor Bradley's injury issues, which tells you why Inter see him as a flexible option rather than a narrow specialist.
That versatility matters because it changes the profile of the signing. Jones has 228 competitive appearances for Liverpool, including 153 in the Premier League, and across his Liverpool career he has 22 goals and 25 assists. For a club looking for a midfielder who can fill different roles, that is a stronger case than the current price gap suggests.
The cleanest conclusion is that the player side of the move is not the real problem. The negotiation is.
If the clubs can narrow the fee gap and settle the sell-on clause, the deal can still move quickly. If they cannot, Curtis Jones stays where he is for now and Inter keep working on a price Liverpool may simply not want to lower.
FAQ
Will Curtis Jones join Inter this summer?
The move is being discussed, but it is not done. There was a meeting between Inter and Liverpool representatives in Monte Carlo on Wednesday, and the parties are said to be moving closer. Liverpool want €30m-€35m, while Inter are working around €22m-€25m with bonuses.
Why is Curtis Jones to Inter taking so long?
The main issue is valuation. Liverpool are holding out for €30m-€35m and also want a sell-on clause, while Inter are trying to stay in the €22m-€25m range. That gap, plus the sell-on demand, is keeping the deal open.
How much are Liverpool asking for Curtis Jones?
Liverpool are reported to want €30m-€35m for Curtis Jones. Inter are willing to pay €22m-€25m with bonuses, so the two clubs are still apart despite positive signals from the Monte Carlo talks.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →
