Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Curtis Jones in a £30m (€35m) deal from Liverpool.
Liverpool are set to receive a fixed fee of £25.7m plus £4.28m in add-ons. Sky Sports News understands a 10 per cent sell-on clause has been inserted in the deal.
Head coach Andoni Iraola said he wanted to keep Jones at Anfield but talked up 19-year-old Trey Nyoni’s chances of stepping up in his place this season.
Liverpool’s long-standing priority in this window has been reinforcing in wide areas. They have had two offers rejected by Brighton for Yankuba Minteh, the latest being worth £60m.
Liverpool have also been pursuing a move for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. He is valued by the European champions at £145m.
Cody Gakpo is a target for Spurs, but, as things stand, Liverpool do not want to sell him.
Jones had entered the final year of his contract at Liverpool and his move to Italy brings an end to his 16-year association with the Reds, having joined the club at the age of nine.
After making his Liverpool first-team debut in the 2018/19 season, Jones appeared 228 times for the club, scoring 22 goals.
Jones is the third England international to move to Inter in this transfer window, after John Stones and Djed Spence also completed moves to join Cristian Chivu’s side.
During his time at Anfield, Jones won two Premier League titles, two Carabao Cups, the Club World Cup and the FA Cup – as well as finishing as a Champions League runner-up in 2022.
How will Jones exit affect Liverpool’s midfield options?
Sky Sports’ Rich Morgan:
Jones’ departure from Liverpool leaves Iraola with some interesting questions over the make-up of his midfield.
Jones made 49 appearances under previous head coach Arne Slot, 34 of which came in the club’s disastrous Premier League title defence, sharing the workload with Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, while he was also often used as a makeshift right-back.
The new Reds boss, though, has indicated he will utilise Florian Wirtz in his preferred No 10 role going forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation, meaning Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch competing for two midfield spots in front of the back four.
The Basque will also be able to call upon Wataru Endo and Nyoni, who has really caught the eye in pre-season, and do not rule out the club reinvesting the £30m Jones fee in a replacement.
Jones’ farewell statement in full
“After 16 years, it’s time to say goodbye.
“I came here as a kid with a dream of playing for Liverpool, and I’ve been lucky enough to actually live that dream.
“This club is all I’ve ever known. I came here as a kid and I’m leaving as a man with a family of my own, which probably puts into perspective just how much of my life I’ve spent here.
“So much has happened during my time here, both on and off the pitch. I’ve made my debut, won trophies, made memories I’ll never forget, and I’ve become a dad.
“Having my daughter while I’ve been here makes it even more special because Liverpool isn’t just part of my story any more, it’s part of my family’s story too.
Jones has said his farewells to Liverpool
“I want to thank everyone in the academy who believed in me and helped me get to where I am today. There are people here who have known me since I was a kid and literally watched me grow up.
“Thank you to every manager and coach I’ve worked with for trusting me, giving me opportunities and always pushing me to become better.
“And a massive thank you to everyone behind the scenes – the physios, medical team, kit staff, chefs, analysts, security, media team, grounds staff and everyone else who makes this place what it is.
“To all the lads I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years, thank you. I’ve played with some unbelievable players and made friendships that I know I’ll have for life.
“Thank you to the fans that stuck by me and always supported me. I will always be one of you.
“Now it’s time for a new challenge and a new chapter for me and my family, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
“But Liverpool will always be a massive part of me. I came here as a kid with a dream and I’m leaving having lived it. So genuinely, to everyone who has played any part in my 16 years here, thank you. I’ll never forget it.
“YNWA.”
