One of the most high-profile transfer sagas of the summer has come to an end: reportedly, Inter Milan have agreed a deal with Liverpool to bring Curtis Jones to the San Siro.
Curtis Jones' Liverpool Career is Over
After progressing through Liverpool's academy since the age of nine and making his debut at only 17 years old in 2018, Curtis Jones is now set to leave his childhood club.
This summer, Jones' future has been one of the most prominent transfer stories. Inter Milan's interest in his signature never wavered after their original enquiry during the January transfer window.
Now, it seems the Italian giants have finally secured the Scouser's transfer in what can only be described as a career-defining move for the midfielder.
IMAGN IMAGES / REUTERSInter Milan Agree Deal to Sign Jones from Liverpool
Fabrizio Romano has exclusively revealed that Inter Milan have reached a verbal agreement with Liverpool on the transfer of Curtis Jones for a fee of 35 million euros, with personal terms already agreed between the Italian club and the player. Jones will next have his medical before the deal is finalised.
The move comes after a drawn-out saga beginning last January, when Jones first signalled a desire to leave the club, and Inter showed interest in signing him. The transfer comes despite the player receiving Andoni Iraola's backing during his first official press conference at the club.
Iraola said of Jones: "I hope he can continue with us", and described him as a "great player". He also highlighted the importance of Jones being a local lad, saying: "It's very important that he's Scouse, that he's also from here."
With Jones' exit, there is not a single Scouse player left in the first team squad.
David Lynch reported on Jones' situation earlier today, before it was revealed that a deal had been agreed, and suggested that he is unlikely to be replaced via the transfer market. Rather, the Liverpool hierarchy sees Trey Nyoni as more than capable of stepping up.
Author's Verdict: An Inevitable Shame
It's a great shame that a homegrown, local lad, with the quality that he has, is choosing to leave the club. It is evident that the disappointment of last season, personally and collectively, was just too decisive for Jones to give his Liverpool career another chance under the new Head Coach this summer.
For all of pre-season, it felt like Jones was playing within himself - a stark contrast to the first summer under Arne Slot, when he worked so hard to elevate his position in the squad.
The effect this move will have on Liverpool's transfer business is unknown. Many will call for a replacement to be brought in through the market, whilst others will back Trey Nyoni to replace Jones' minutes. The latter, according to David Lynch, seems to be the thinking of the club.
In my opinion, Liverpool still lack a defence-first profile in their midfield department. Meanwhile, I agree that Trey Nyoni is more than ready for Premier League football. Signing a new player and elevating Nyoni's place in the team doesn't have to be mutually exclusive, especially not if that new signing is unique in profile compared to what we already have at the club.
It'll be interesting to see what Liverpool do, if anything, to strengthen the midfield now that Jones is set to depart.
