Inter Milan Finalizes Deal for Liverpool Midfielder Curtis Jones
Serie A champions Inter Milan have successfully completed the signing of Curtis Jones from Liverpool, marking a significant move in the transfer market. The negotiations, which had taken place over several weeks, included an initial offer that Liverpool rejected earlier in the transfer window. Despite this setback, Inter remained persistent, with reports from Get Italian Football News highlighting the player’s keen interest in the transfer.
Inter Milan has reportedly agreed to a total package worth €35 million for the talented midfielder. Several factors contributed to the eventual deal, particularly concerning Jones’ contract situation.
Contract Situation
Beppe Marotta, known for his ability to secure valuable players at affordable prices, has leveraged the current state of Jones’ contract. With the player’s agreement at Liverpool running until 2027 and Inter’s interest, Jones opted against renewing his contract, providing the Italian club an excellent opportunity to finalize the transfer.
Technical Ability
Jones is recognized for his skill in progressing the ball from midfield, showcasing a talent for breaking through congested defenses. His playing style contrasts sharply with that of Davide Frattesi, who recently transferred to Lazio. While Frattesi is known more as a receiver in advanced positions, Jones’ capability to control play from deeper areas presents a valuable asset for Inter, likely enhancing the overall quality of the side.
Aging Midfield
Inter’s midfield faces challenges with aging players, particularly Hakan Calhanoglu, who is now 32, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who approaches 40. The team aims to rejuvenate its roster, and Jones’ inclusion will help to lower the average age of the squad. There are questions surrounding Aleksandar Stankovic, who is only 21, as to whether he can perform reliably from the beginning.
In contrast, Jones brings a wealth of experience from competing at the highest levels, providing the team with both reliability and skill in addressing the midfield’s evolving needs.
Serie A side Inter have now made a major coup in the market and have all but sealed the signing of Liverpool’s Curtis Jones.
The deal was in the works for many weeks and the Nerazzurri even had an offer rejected earlier in the transfer window. Get Italian Football News had covered how this didn’t stop them from staying in the race and the player was keen on the deal too.
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Now, the deal is done, with the Italian champions set to pay a package worth €35 million for the deal.
But there are key reasons why the move was a long time coming.
Contract situation
Beppe Marotta, where ever he goes, is always great at signing players for the cheap and he always capitalises on contract situations.
Jones has proved to be a very similar case. His Liverpool contract was running out in 2027 and Inter’s approaches meant he had rejected the idea of a renewal too.
This gave the Nerazzurri the perfect chance to take advantage, relying on the player’s desire to seal the deal.
Technical ability
Jones has thrived on carrying the ball forward from deeper areas in midfield. He is someone who can pick packed defences apart and this is very different to what Inter had in Davide Frattesi, who has now joined Lazio. The Italian is more of a receiver in the final third and isn’t known for his technical astuteness.
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Jones would allow greater control in midfield and he will raise the flooring of the side.
Aging midfield
While Frattesi has left, Hakan Calhanoglu is now 32. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also nearing 40, even if he has stayed. The biggest solution to the problem is reducing the average age of the squad. Jones’ arrival does that and arguably, he could offer more quality Mkhitaryan too, while being of a similar profile.
Besides, Aleksandar Stankovic is only 21. While he has roped in, there is little guarantee he does a solid job right from the first gameweek.
Jones offers that assurance and enough experience of playing at the highest level. Even in this sense, he fixes a lot of problems.
Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN
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