Curtis Jones faces a defining moment in his Liverpool career after reports of a rejected bid from Inter Milan, with the midfielder urged to prove himself or risk falling behind
06:00, 26 Jun 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Curtis Jones of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Curtis Jones has been handed a clear message over his future at Liverpool
Curtis Jones has been handed a clear message over his Liverpool future after reports emerged that the club rejected a transfer bid for the midfielder.
Jones has been strongly linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, with Inter Milan leading the chase for his signature. However, the Serie A champions may have damaged their chances of completing a deal.
Liverpool has rejected a second bid for the midfielder, with Inter’s latest offer understood to be around $29 million (€25m), well short of the Reds’ valuation of Jones. The Merseyside club is reportedly unhappy with Inter’s approach and is said to be “irritated” by the Italian side’s negotiating tactics.
Former Manchester United midfielder Alan Smith described Jones as a valuable asset for Liverpool, praised for his versatility, commitment and understanding of the club.
However, the 45-year-old raised questions over his long-term role at Anfield, with suggestions that the midfielder must now consider whether he is content to remain a squad player or seek regular first-team football elsewhere.
"Curtis Jones, for Liverpool, is a very good player to have in the ranks. A player that loves Liverpool, won’t let you down, versatile" Smith told BestBettingSites.co.uk. So whether they would want to let him go is one thing. Whether the player himself now would think, look, I’ve got to get my career started.
"He’s at that age where you think maybe it’s now or never. Am I going to just be seen as a squad player at Liverpool, or do I want to go out there and really make somewhere else my home and be a continual choice, starting games? It’s down to him whether he wants to make the break."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Curtis Jones of Liverpool looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Curtis Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool is reportedly still keen to explore a new contract for Jones, although formal talks with the midfielder may not take place until later in the year.
Article continues below
The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his deal at Anfield, with discussions over an extension having stalled. According to The Athletic, there are currently no active negotiations, although Liverpool would be open to reviving talks if an agreement can be reached between the club’s valuation and the player’s wage expectations.
The report also downplays the likelihood of Jones leaving, suggesting senior figures at Liverpool would prefer to risk losing him on a free transfer next summer rather than sanction a cut-price sale this window.
Despite the uncertainty, it is increasingly expected that Jones will remain at Anfield, having hinted just a month ago that his future could still lie with the club. “I’m excited [for] next season, it should be great," Jones said after Liverpool’s final game of the 2025/26 campaign against Brentford. "We can put everything behind us and just go and enjoy it. Go and play free.”