Curtis Jones missed the Liverpool friendly against Monaco on Sunday, as per the latest transfer news. The absence quickly fuelled talk of a summer move to Inter Milan, though the real reason turned out to be far simpler than fans expected.
Curtis Jones injury explained by Iraola
Liverpool’s matchday squad for the Monaco friendly surprised many fans, with Curtis Jones missing out despite starting every warm-up game. As reported by The Standard, the Reds boss, Andoni Iraola, later explained why. A hip issue, picked up in training, was behind the call. Nothing looked serious, he said, but risking a player so close to a return made little sense given the timing.
The hosts built an early two-goal cushion, with Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz both finding the net inside the opening half hour. It marked a promising start to the new football season. But the lead didn’t last. Monaco hit back through Aleksandr Golovin, Mika Biereth and Paris Brunner to complete a stunning comeback at Anfield. It was the second pre-season game in a row in which Iraola’s side let a winning position slip.
The injury concerns ran deeper than just Jones alone. With defensive options stretched, youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe was drafted straight in alongside Virgil van Dijk. New arrival Jeremy Jacquet was left out too, though only as a precaution, with his Liverpool debut against Como still on course for a timely return. Iraola stressed the Frenchman would not be rushed back before he’s ready.
Inter Milan interest in the Englishman continues
Even with the injury explained, bigger questions remain. The midfielder is edging closer to the final year of his deal. As reported by GOAL, the Serie A giants see him as a key target and have already submitted two formal offers this summer. Both were swiftly turned down, falling short of the club’s valuation.
Inter’s interest actually dates back to January, when a first approach was firmly rejected. Since then, the pursuit has only grown stronger. Offers near £30 million have reportedly been made, still short of the £35 million price tag being sought. Even so, the Reds hold a strong hand, with no real urgency to sell this summer.
Letting the academy graduate leave would not be an easy decision to make. After all, his skill across midfield roles makes him a valuable option. Yet game time under Iraola is not certain, and his deal is winding down. So a summer sale remains on the table. It is a familiar test for Premier League clubs weighing academy talent against contract timelines.
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What next for Curtis Jones this summer
For now, no deal between the two sides looks close, and the gap in price remains the biggest hurdle. That price reflects his role in the squad. It also reflects the risk of losing him for nothing next year, a scenario the club naturally wants to avoid.
Curtis Jones for Liverpool in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Starts Goals Assists Chances Created
Premier League 34 18 1 2 21
FA Cup 4 4 2 1 6
EFL Cup 1 1 0 0 0
UCL 9 4 0 0 2
Elsewhere, transfer business keeps moving. A deal for Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo looks close. Barca boss Hansi Flick has all but confirmed the exit, admitting his style no longer suited the defender. That incoming business could ease the pressure to rush a call on Inter Milan.
For now, Curtis Jones remains part of Iraola’s plans. The coming weeks should bring far more clarity than speculation has offered so far. Whether he stays and fights for his place, or completes a switch to Serie A, the wait is nearly over.
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