Curtis Jones’ Liverpool future is once again becoming a major talking point.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter Milan will move to sign Jones from Liverpool following Davide Frattesi’s departure.
The Italian giants have been admirers of the Liverpool midfielder for some time, and with Frattesi now leaving San Siro, Jones has reportedly emerged as a target to help fill the space in Inter’s midfield.
This could therefore be a very interesting few days for the 25-year-old.
Inter’s interest in Jones is nothing new
This isn’t the first time Inter have tried to bring Jones to Italy.
Liverpool previously pulled out of a proposed loan move to Inter after concerns over their own squad depth.
That decision came after Jones had reportedly been close to joining the Nerazzurri, with Liverpool ultimately deciding that losing another midfielder would leave Iraola’s squad too thin.
Now the situation could be changing again.
With Frattesi departing, Inter have another reason to return for the Liverpool academy graduate.
Why does Inter want Jones?
Jones is an intriguing player for Inter because of his technical ability and versatility.
He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, can carry possession through midfield and has experience playing at the highest level with Liverpool.
He also has Champions League experience, something that would be particularly valuable to Inter.
There is also the fact that Jones is still relatively young and has plenty of room to develop.
For a club looking to build for the future, he could be an attractive option.
But what does Liverpool want?
This is where things become fascinating.
Liverpool have already shown that they are reluctant to lose Jones without having adequate midfield cover.
The club previously blocked his proposed move to Inter, with concerns over squad depth playing a major role.
However, the situation could be different now.
Jones is reportedly entering the final stages of his current Liverpool contract situation, while competition for midfield places is increasing.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have emerged as potential options in Iraola’s double pivot, while Florian Wirtz occupies the No.10 role.
Trey Nyoni is also pushing for more opportunities.
That could potentially make Jones’ position more complicated.
Would Liverpool sell Curtis Jones?
That’s the big question.
Jones is a local academy graduate who has been with Liverpool since childhood.
There will always be an emotional attachment between him and the supporters.
But football is ultimately about competition for places.
If Jones believes he can become a regular starter elsewhere, a move could make sense from his perspective.
Inter could offer him a completely different challenge in Serie A and the Champions League.
For Liverpool, meanwhile, the question is whether they believe Jones remains an important part of Iraola’s plans.
Losing Jones would still be a risk
Personally, I would be very cautious about allowing Jones to leave without bringing in another midfielder.
Liverpool’s squad already needs to cope with a demanding season.
There will be the Premier League, Champions League, domestic cups and the inevitable injuries and suspensions.
Even if Jones isn’t guaranteed to start every week, having another experienced midfielder available could prove extremely valuable.
And there is always the possibility that a player suddenly becomes hugely important after an injury to someone ahead of him.
Could this be the end of Jones’ Liverpool career?
It is far too early to say.
Di Marzio’s report suggests Inter are preparing to make another move, but Liverpool will ultimately decide whether they are prepared to let Jones leave.
And considering Liverpool previously stopped the proposed move, the club clearly aren’t desperate to lose him.
But the circumstances have changed.
Frattesi is leaving.
Inter need a midfielder.
Jones has long been admired.
And Liverpool have several players competing for midfield positions.
That makes this one of the most intriguing transfer situations to watch.
Liverpool have a decision to make
There are two ways of looking at this.
Liverpool could decide that Jones is no longer essential and use his departure to generate a significant transfer fee.
Or Iraola could decide that his technical ability, versatility and Premier League experience are too valuable to lose.
Personally, I wouldn’t want Liverpool to make the decision simply because Inter are interested.
If Jones leaves, Liverpool need a replacement.
And preferably one who can immediately contribute.
Because there is one thing Liverpool cannot afford under Iraola:
A midfield that is too thin.
Inter Milan appear ready to come back for Curtis Jones.
Now Liverpool have to decide whether to finally say yes.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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