Andoni Iraola’s ‘More Time’ Curtis Jones Comments Complicate Inter Milan’s Transfer Picture | OneFootball

By Harry Yates

Curtis Jones’ Liverpool future has taken another twist after Andoni Iraola publicly outlined his admiration for the midfielder during his first press conference as Liverpool head coach. 

Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield throughout the summer as he enters the final year of his contract. Inter Milan have emerged as the leading contenders for his signature, with reports in Italy suggesting the Serie A giants remain determined to bring the Liverpool academy graduate to San Siro.

However, Iraola’s comments on Monday offered a contrasting picture…

The new manager made his admiration for Jones clear to the press, saying he hopes to work with Jones for “not only a year” but “more time”, suggesting Iraola sees Jones as part of his long-term plans. With Jones now entering the final year of his deal, Liverpool face a decision between agreeing a new contract or risking losing another academy graduate for a reduced fee or as a free agent next summer.

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Iraola also recognised the importance of Jones’ personal connection with the club, stating that “it’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here.” Those comments suggest Liverpool’s new head coach values not only the midfielder’s qualities on the pitch but also his understanding of the club’s culture at a time when his future remains uncertain. The Liverpool-born midfielder progressed through the club’s academy before making his senior debut in 2019 and has remained a regular part of the first-team squad ever since. Jones has made 228 appearances for his local side and Iraola hopes to add plenty to this tally.

While speculation has continued to grow throughout the summer, Liverpool’s new manager appears eager to retain a player who not only understands the club’s identity but also possesses qualities that suit his style of play. His versatility could also be a factor in Iraola’s appreciation for the player. Last season, the 25-year-old demonstrated his versatility as he appeared in midfield whilst also featuring at full-back and on the wing.

However, these claims have done little to cool interest from Italy. Italian journalist Daniele Mari reports that Jones is “waiting for Inter”, with the Serie A side reportedly “determined at all costs” to complete a deal. 

Ben Jacobs has now reported that Inter Milan have had a €32 million bid rejected by Liverpool. Jacobs writes that Inter’s first bid of €25 million was considered “derisory” and the second bid was also dismissed. It is clear that Jones will only depart from Liverpool if their valuation of €40 million is met. 

As things stand, Jones is expected to travel on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States. However, with Inter Milan still pursuing the midfielder, his future could remain one of the club’s key transfer stories throughout the remainder of the window.

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Manu Kone

After a fantastic World Cup campaign, both Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in the France international and Roma midfielder Manu Koné. 

Liverpool have tracked the 25-year-old since his Borussia Mönchengladbach days. The Reds explored a move in 2023 but instead opted to sign Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo. 

Koné has continued to develop since arriving in Italy and enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign, further strengthening his reputation as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders. Comfortable both in and out of possession, the 25-year-old combines aggressive ball-winning with the ability to carry possession through midfield—qualities that could suit Andoni Iraola’s high-intensity style of play. 

Furthermore, uncertainty surrounding Mac Allister’s future with the club could force Liverpool to look to strengthen their midfield. Accompanied with rumours linking Curtis Jones away from the club, Koné’s profile appears to fit the physical and tactical demands of Iraola’s system, making him a strong fit to complement already established players at the club.

Speaking to news outlet Sports Witness, Gasperini subtly confirmed his future will be away from Roma, stating that “Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years.” These comments have fueled speculation that AS Roma will have to sell one of their most valuable players, a category that Manu would fall into. 

Koné has also received praise from former France international and Premier League winner Patrick Vieira. Vieira described him as “the best midfielder in France”, praising his mobility, ball-winning ability and capacity to break opposition lines. 

As things stand, Liverpool’s interest remains speculative, and no formal approach has been confirmed. However, with the club’s long-standing admiration for Koné and Roma’s reported need to generate funds, the conditions for a potential move appear stronger than they have been in previous transfer windows. 

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Although it’s far from definite that Liverpool will act in the midfield department, previous interest in both Gomes and Koné means that they both present wholly viable options, particularly given their respective low asking prices. 

The futures of Jones and Alexis Mac Allister feel uncertain, whilst Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Stefan Bajcetic are expected to move on either on loan or a permanent basis; therefore, at least one midfield addition could well be a necessity. 

With a large outlay expected in the attacking areas and defensive reinforcements also likely, Gomes and Kone could end up being the preferred midfield solution.