CHICAGO, USA - Wednesday, July 22, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones returns to the team hotel after a morning training session in Chicago ahead of the start of the club's pre-season tour of America. The team play friendly games in Nashville, New York and Chicago as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League season. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Wednesday, July 22, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones returns to the team hotel after a morning training session in Chicago ahead of the start of the club's pre-season tour of America. The team play friendly games in Nashville, New York and Chicago as they prepare for the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League season. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool are using Inter Milan’s deal for Djed Spence to set the benchmark in their talks for Curtis Jones, with the club holding firm on their price tag.
The Italian side agreed a deal with Tottenham for Spence worth €35 million (£29.9m), including add-ons, after he had been offered around after the World Cup.
With Inter having previously baulked at Liverpool’s valuation for Jones, around €40 million (£34.2m), the club views Spence’s move as establishing a clear floor.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano states Inter’s deal for the defender has set the benchmark for the ongoing negotiations for Jones.
“Liverpool’s stance – and this is where the real battle lies – is that they won’t let Curtis Jones leave for less than the price Inter paid for Djed Spence,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 15, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong is challenged by Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence (R) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 15, 2026: Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong is challenged by Tottenham Hotspur's Djed Spence (R) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He added: “Liverpool are saying, ‘Fine, I might consider a discount on that €40 million figure – we could perhaps settle on a lower amount, around €35 million with a different structure – but Spence cost roughly €31 million plus bonuses to reach €35 million.”
As has been reported throughout the summer, Liverpool would be content to keep hold of Jones despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract and potentially missing out on a transfer fee.
Given Jones’ Premier League and Champions League experience, homegrown status and squad depth value, Liverpool hold all the cards, despite Jones having played no part in the last three friendlies.
It remains to be seen if the Scouser will be involved in the build-up to the Premier League opener, but it is evident the protracted negotiations will continue until Liverpool’s demands are met.
If his sale is sanctioned, journalist David Lynch described the prospect of seeking a replacement in the transfer market as “close to zero chance,” while Sky Sports‘ Vinny O’Connor suggested “you would expect a replacement to be brought in.”
Henry 1982
Henry 1982
Iraola, Arteta, Michael Oliver collage
Iraola, Arteta, Michael Oliver collage