Liverpool latest: Inter Milan make Jones their top midfield target

Liverpool’s midfield reshuffle has taken another twist after Inter Milan identified Curtis Jones as their top target for the coming transfer window. The 23-year-old’s contract expires in 2026, but the Serie A champions are preparing a bid to prise him away from Anfield this summer. With Liverpool already losing key personnel and facing a rebuilding phase under new manager Andoni Iraola, the potential exit of a player who has spent his entire professional career at the club would compound the challenges ahead.

Inter Milan move fast on Jones as Liverpool’s summer rebuild begins

Inter Milan have moved quickly to identify Curtis Jones as their preferred midfield reinforcement, according to Sky Sports sources. The Italian club are preparing an offer to meet Liverpool’s valuation, with discussions expected to intensify once the transfer window opens. Jones, who has made 150 appearances for Liverpool since his 2019 debut, has been a consistent presence in midfield but faces competition for minutes under Iraola’s new regime.

The news comes as Liverpool confirm the departure of FSG CEO Billy Edwards, a figure central to the club’s recent transfer strategy. Edwards’ exit, announced ahead of the new season, signals a broader shift in Liverpool’s leadership structure just as the club prepares for a transitional summer. With Iraola still settling into the dugout, the club’s ability to retain Jones—or negotiate a new contract—will test their resolve.

Iraola’s humility meets Liverpool’s high stakes

Andoni Iraola’s unveiling as Liverpool’s new head coach was defined by measured ambition rather than spectacle. Speaking at his first press conference, the 44-year-old Basque coach acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead, framing his appointment as both a privilege and a proving ground. “I need to prove I belong here,” he said, stressing that the scrutiny at Anfield would dwarf anything he experienced at Bournemouth, where he guided the club to a first-ever European qualification.

Iraola’s arrival follows the abrupt exit of Arne Slot, sacked on May 30 after a single season in charge. The club’s owners, in their meeting with the new manager, conceded that “everything is not perfect,” citing injuries, squad turnover, and the need to replace departing players. Iraola, however, struck a defiant tone, insisting the squad retained “very good” quality despite the challenges. His first month will be critical in shaping a team identity and restoring confidence among supporters still processing the managerial change.

Transfers and departures set the backdrop for a turbulent summer

Liverpool’s midfield has been a focal point of speculation this summer, with multiple reports linking Joao Gomes to Manchester United. The 22-year-old’s future remains unresolved, while Bradley Barcola’s potential move has also featured prominently in transfer coverage. These uncertainties underscore the fluidity of Liverpool’s squad planning as they navigate a period of transition.

Against this backdrop, Inter Milan’s pursuit of Jones represents more than a single-player transfer—it is a signal of intent from a club with Champions League ambitions. Liverpool, meanwhile, must balance the need to strengthen their squad with the reality of losing influential players. The coming weeks will reveal whether Iraola can establish his authority before a potentially disruptive transfer window.

What comes next is unclear, but one thing is certain: Liverpool’s summer will be defined by decisions, not declarations. Whether Jones remains at Anfield or joins Inter Milan, the choice will shape the club’s midfield for years to come. For Iraola, the pressure is immediate—prove he belongs, and fast.