Curtis Jones' First Words After £30M Inter Milan Transfer As Liverpool Face Major Midfield Decision

The midfielder joins fellow Englishmen Djed Spence and John Stones in Milan, bringing an emotional close to a journey that saw him make 228 senior appearances, score 22 goals and win six major trophies, including two Premier League titles. 

Curtis Jones has arrived in Italy to begin a new chapter with Inter Milan, closing the door on a Liverpool career that began when he joined the academy as a nine‑year‑old. 

His departure marks the end of a deeply personal era. One defined by development, trophies and a life built around the club he grew up supporting.

Before sealing his move, Jones delivered a heartfelt farewell message to Liverpool supporters on social media, reflecting his journey and the memories that shaped him.

“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.”

“The 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. 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 anymore, it's part of my family's story too.”

The former Liverpool midfielder spoke for the first time as an Inter player, explaining why the move felt right at this stage of his career.

“It feels amazing. I’ve wanted to come to Inter for a while now, so I’m really excited.”

“I’m a Liverpool lad, a Scouser, and I’ve spent my whole life there. But at this stage of my career, I wanted to take the next step, and I think this is the perfect club for me to do that.”

He highlighted the impact of Inter’s supporters during last season’s Champions League meeting. 

“The biggest thing was the feeling I had last season when I played against Inter and experienced the passion their fans have. I was out on the San Siro pitch and I could hear them singing throughout. Coming from Liverpool, I’ve always been used to that connection with fans, I hope I can build that same bond here.”

Jones leaves behind a midfield consisting of regular starters Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai and squad players Trey Nyoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo, a group with quality, but one that many Liverpool supporters felt still lacked a true defensive-minded midfielder after last season’s issues being cut through centrally.

With Jones now departing, his exit may force Liverpool to dip into the market, particularly as it leaves new head coach Andoni Iraola a little short on numbers in his engine room heading into the new campaign

The 22‑year‑old has long been admired by Liverpool and is widely viewed as ready to take the next step in his career. He was heavily linked with a move to Anfield during Arne Slot’s tenure, but since Iraola’s arrival the interest has gone quiet, though not entirely forgotten.

Wharton’s profile makes him an obvious candidate, he’s composed in possession, intelligent out of it and capable of operating as both a controlling midfielder and a progressive carrier.

Kone would tick a lot of boxes for Liverpool, offering a more defensive‑minded profile. Few midfielders have risen as quickly in European football as Kone. 

His athleticism, composure under pressure and ability to dominate central areas have made him one of the most closely watched young midfielders in the modern game.

He also impressed for France at the World Cup, showcasing maturity and physical presence,  qualities Liverpool have lacked at times in midfield.

Promoting Trey Nyoni internally now seems the most likely solution for Liverpool. With not long left in the window and despite Jones only leaving this week, the club would have known for some time that the midfielder was heading for the exit, the lack of major transfer links suggests Liverpool may lean on their academy once again. 

Aside from the early Adam Wharton rumours during Arne Slot’s tenure, Liverpool have not been strongly connected to many midfielders, making Nyoni’s emergence a timely development for Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool signed Nyoni from Leicester in 2023 knowing he was a top talent who could eventually grow into a first‑team role. That moment appears to be here. 

Iraola has been impressed with Nyoni throughout pre‑season, reflected in the regular minutes he has received. Long regarded as a tidy, intelligent midfielder, Nyoni now looks to have added greater defensive awareness to his game, shown in pre-season, a key area Liverpool have needed to strengthen.

His improvement suggests he may be ready to make the step up this season and take on a meaningful role in Liverpool’s midfield.