Report: Liverpool set £35m price tag on star ahead of potential exit | OneFootball

Curtis Jones Future Raises Fresh Questions for Liverpool

Liverpool’s final day draw with Brentford was shaped by emotion, uncertainty and the sense that change is accelerating at the club. Much of the attention centred on departing senior figures, yet one of the most revealing moments involved Curtis Jones, a player whose future at Liverpool suddenly appears far less certain than many expected only months ago.

The midfielder started in the 1-1 draw at Anfield and scored Liverpool’s only goal, converting from close range after a superb Mohamed Salah assist. Yet the reaction from Jones after scoring was striking. There was no roar towards the Kop, no visible release of emotion, and barely even a smile.

That moment was highlighted by Paul Joyce in The Times, the original source of the reporting around Liverpool’s growing dilemma over the academy graduate. Joyce wrote: “When Jones was the young kid who joined Liverpool at under-nine level, any goal in front of the Kop would have been a dream. Here, he could not even find it within himself to celebrate in the 58th minute or even raise a smile. He is coveted by Inter Milan and is valued at £35million.”

For Liverpool supporters, that line landed heavily. Jones has long represented the modern local success story. A Scouser breaking into the first team, winning major honours and carrying the expectations of the academy pathway. Now, with Liverpool preparing for another major rebuild under Arne Slot, his position looks increasingly delicate.

Photo: IMAGO

£35m Price Tag Places Midfielder in Spotlight

The reported £35m valuation is significant for several reasons. Liverpool are entering a summer where squad balance matters almost as much as marquee signings. Financial flexibility will be needed if the club wants to strengthen multiple areas of the pitch, particularly with attacking reinforcements and midfield depth still required.

Jones remains a technically gifted player with strong ball-carrying ability and tactical intelligence. However, injuries and inconsistency have interrupted his momentum over the past two seasons. Competition for places has intensified and Liverpool’s midfield options continue to evolve.

Interest from Inter Milan reflects how highly Jones is still regarded across Europe. Clubs admire his composure in possession and his versatility across midfield roles. At 25, he remains young enough to develop further while already carrying valuable Premier League and Champions League experience.

From Liverpool’s perspective, though, the decision is complicated. Selling an academy product for £35m would represent pure profit under financial regulations. Equally, allowing a homegrown talent to leave just as he reaches maturity carries obvious sporting risks.

That tension now defines much of Liverpool’s summer planning.

Liverpool Transition Continues Under Arne Slot

The broader context around Liverpool cannot be ignored. This has been a turbulent campaign despite securing Champions League qualification. Injuries, inconsistent performances and uncertainty around key players have created a feeling of instability around the squad.

Jones finds himself caught in the middle of that transition.

Slot is still shaping what he wants Liverpool to become. Certain players appear central to the project, while others face unclear futures. The midfield remains particularly fluid, with Liverpool searching for the right balance between control, intensity and creativity.

Against Brentford, Jones again showed flashes of quality. His movement into the box for the goal demonstrated sharp awareness, while his overall technical level remained high. Yet the subdued reaction afterwards inevitably invited speculation.

Supporters will wonder whether frustration, uncertainty or transfer noise contributed to the moment. Only Jones truly knows the answer.

What is clear is that Liverpool cannot afford sentimentality alone when constructing the next phase of the squad. Decisions will need to be ruthless as the club attempts to return to genuine title contention.

Summer Window Could Define Next Stage of Career

For Jones personally, this summer may become the defining point of his Liverpool career. Staying at the club would mean fighting for a central role in Slot’s long-term plans. Leaving could offer guaranteed prominence elsewhere and the opportunity to become the focal point of another ambitious project.

Inter Milan’s admiration underlines the calibre of interest involved. Italian football could suit Jones stylistically, particularly given the tactical emphasis on technical midfielders comfortable under pressure.

Liverpool supporters, however, will still hope there is another chapter to come. Academy graduates who genuinely understand the weight of the shirt remain rare commodities in modern football.

The image of Jones failing to celebrate his goal properly may ultimately prove meaningless. Football is emotional, especially on days filled with farewells and uncertainty. But in a summer where Liverpool are expected to make difficult decisions, every detail will be analysed closely.

A £35m valuation ensures the conversation around Curtis Jones is unlikely to disappear any time soon.