SPORTS.YAHOO.COM
Report: Liverpool star heading for the exit after latest breakthrough
Report: Liverpool star heading for the exit after latest breakthroughCurtis Jones to Inter Milan: Liverpool Weigh 30m Exit Amid Transfer Talks and Szoboszlai FlashpointInter Milan are growing in confidence over a deal for Curtis Jones, with Liverpool facing a situation that increasingly points towards a decision in the coming days rather than the closing stages of the window. According to TeamTalk, the Serie A club believe there is a workable path to signing the midfielder after sustained contact and renewed efforts behind the scenes.The latest offer, reported at 25million, was rejected by Liverpool. That part of the story appears straightforward. What matters now is the next move. Inter are said to be trying to put together a package of around 30million, while Liverpool have been valuing Jones at closer to 35million / 30million, a number the club consider fair in the current Premier League market.There is also a key detail shaping the mood around this case. Jones is entering the final 12 months of his contract, and contract talks with Liverpool are not currently on the agenda. In practical terms, that leaves Liverpool with a choice, either commit fully to an extension plan, or seriously entertain a sale while the player still holds significant market value.Inter Milan push gathers paceInters interest is not new. Their pursuit dates back to January, and the consistency of that attention matters. Clubs do not tend to stay engaged over that length of time without genuine intent. The current feeling is that intermediaries have kept discussions alive and are now looking for a structure that can break the deadlock.Jones, crucially, is understood to be open to the move to Inter. That does not make a transfer inevitable, but it does shift leverage. Once a player is receptive and a buying club senses movement, the pressure often turns to the selling clubs valuation and timing.Iraola wants clarity at LiverpoolAndoni Iraola is described as a huge admirer of Jones and would ideally keep him at Anfield. That is an important part of Liverpools internal picture. Yet there is realism too. If a deal is going to happen, the new head coach wants swift resolution and would prefer matters settled sooner rather than later.Photo: IMAGOThat stance feels logical. Liverpool are still shaping their squad and uncertainty over a homegrown midfielder with senior experience can affect planning, minutes, and recruitment strategy. If Jones stays, Iraola needs him fully aligned. If he goes, Liverpool need time to respond.Szoboszlai incident adds fresh scrutinyThe backdrop to all this has been sharpened by events after the pre-season win over Wrexham. Sources close to Liverpool acknowledged an on-field disagreement involving Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Kostas Tsimikas following the final whistle. The report states Jones was left frustrated after Szoboszlai handed the captains armband to Tsimikas when he was substituted, rather than passing it to the England midfielder.Liverpool insist the incident should not be viewed as a major issue inside the dressing room, and that message should be taken seriously. Pre-season moments can be overplayed. Even so, in a transfer situation already carrying uncertainty, any visible flashpoint tends to draw extra attention. Inter, significantly, believe the timing could now work in their favour.Our ViewFrom a worried Liverpool supporters perspective, this feels uncomfortable on a few levels. Jones is one of our own, and those situations always carry more emotion than a normal transfer. If he truly is open to leaving, and if contract talks are going nowhere, then Liverpool may have little option but to act. Even so, accepting around 30million for a homegrown midfielder with Premier League experience feels light in this market.The bigger concern is the message it sends. Iraola may admire Jones, but if a player valued internally is still allowed to drift into the final year of his deal, that points to planning gaps. Supporters will ask why this was allowed to reach such a delicate stage. The Szoboszlai incident may well be minor, and the club are right not to inflate it, but fans know how these moments can become symbolic when a players future is already uncertain.There is also the squad angle. Liverpool need depth, energy and tactical flexibility across midfield, and Jones offers all three when fully engaged. Selling him now only makes sense if the club are convinced his long-term future lies elsewhere, or if a replacement plan is already advanced. Otherwise, there is a risk of weakening the group while trying to tidy up an unresolved contract situation. For supporters watching this unfold, the hope is simple, decide quickly, get full value, and make sure Liverpool come out stronger rather than merely cleaner.
0 Comments 0 Shares 49 Views 0 Reviews