Liverpool won’t have to think too hard if Inter Milan make the approach for Curtis Jones many are expecting.
The Scouser’s future has been up in the air since January, now seemingly at a stage in his career where he wants a bigger role. If Liverpool determine they cannot give that to him, a sale may be needed.
In theory, that should be a massive dilemma. Jones is homegrown, positionally versatile and emotionally tied to the club. But the decision becomes much easier when looking at the fee being mooted at the moment.
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Curtis Jones to Inter Milan for £35m is irresistible business
A report from The Times has Jones valued at around £35 million, a similar fee to what was being discussed in January when Inter Milan were exploring a loan-to-buy move. Conor Gallagher’s move to Tottenham for that figure is being used as a benchmark for Liverpool’s valuation of Jones.
Whether Inter rise to meet that price is another question. Jones has just one year left on his deal, and that naturally changes the conversation.
But if they do get close to asking price, it would surely become very difficult for Liverpool to say no.
There may even be room for a deal that works for both sides. Liverpool have looked at Denzel Dumfries, who has a £22 million release clause, so there could be a wider conversation to be had if Inter are serious about Jones.
For Liverpool, the logic is obvious. Jones is no longer a youngster waiting for his breakthrough, he is a 25-year-old squad player who has still not nailed down a starting place.
That does not make him a bad footballer. His technical level and versatility are exactly why Inter are looking at him in the first place.
But Liverpool need something different in midfield. If £35 million for Jones can be put towards a player of a higher class, or one more suited to the rebuild, it represents very good business.
It is not as though he seems desperate to stay at all costs, either.
Jones’ support for Mohamed Salah in recent days felt like another sign that he is growing impatient with life at Anfield.
What would you do with Curtis Jones this summer?
There are convincing and emotive reasons to keep Jones. He is a local lad, he understands the club, and he has played his part in some big moments.
But one of these midfielders is surely going. If Liverpool can get £35 million for a rotation player who will again be pondering his future again in 12 months, it would be hard to turn down.
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