Liverpool face double summer departure as Inter target Curtis Jones and Tottenham pursue Cody Gakpo

Share This Article:

Liverpool could lose two of their leading players this summer, with Curtis Jones nearing a move to Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur advancing their efforts to sign Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo.

The potential departures form part of a wider rebuilding process at Liverpool under manager Andoni Iraola, who is looking to reshape the squad before the start of the new season.

Jones is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield, while Tottenham’s interest in Gakpo is growing alongside Liverpool’s attempts to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool therefore face a delicate transfer decision. The club want to generate significant income from player sales, but must also ensure the squad is not weakened or left short of options before the campaign begins.

Sources familiar with the transfer market have told CaughtOffside that Inter have made Jones one of their leading priorities and believe a deal could be completed for about 35m euros (£30m).

Liverpool had hoped to receive close to 40m euros (£34m) for the midfielder. However, Jones’ willingness to take on a new challenge in Serie A could help push negotiations towards a decisive stage.

Speculation over Jones’ future has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after he was left out of some Liverpool matches. Reports close to the club have indicated, though, that his absences were linked to a hip problem and measures related to managing his fitness, rather than an attempt to protect him ahead of a possible transfer.

With Jones approaching the final season of his contract, Liverpool may view this summer as the best opportunity to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season. Inter’s clear interest and the player’s apparent desire to experience Italian football have added to the likelihood of a deal.

The situation involving Gakpo is different, with Tottenham’s negotiations for the Dutch winger progressing quickly. Gakpo has reached a provisional agreement with Spurs over personal terms, a development that could clear one of the significant hurdles standing in the way of a transfer.

Liverpool are insisting on receiving more than £60m for Gakpo. Other estimates suggest the club value the player at about £70m.

Unlike Jones, Gakpo is under contract with Liverpool until 2030. That gives the club a strong negotiating position and means it has no obligation to approve his departure unless Tottenham meet the valuation set by Liverpool.

Gakpo’s future is closely tied to the club’s plans to strengthen its attacking options, particularly on the wings. Barcola is among Liverpool’s main targets in the transfer market, and the club has already reached an agreement with the player over personal terms. Paris Saint-Germain, however, continue to demand a substantial fee.

Selling Jones and Gakpo could provide Liverpool with an important financial boost, but the club’s decision-makers will need to proceed carefully. Suitable replacements would have to be secured before either player is allowed to leave.

From a financial perspective, Jones’ sale appears the more logical move. His contract expires next summer, while his current value could be about 35m euros, with serious interest from Inter and a desire from the player to pursue a new experience in Italy.

Gakpo’s circumstances are markedly different. His deal runs until 2030, so Liverpool have no reason to rush into a sale unless Tottenham submit an offer that matches the club’s valuation.

The possible departures of Jones and Gakpo would therefore represent more than an attempt to reduce the size of the squad or raise funds. They would be part of a broader plan to rebuild Liverpool’s team and give Iraola the opportunity to shape the group according to his footballing vision before the new season begins.

Share This Article: