Liverpool could lose two of their leading players this summer, with Curtis Jones attracting serious interest from Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur advancing in their pursuit of Cody Gakpo.
The potential departures form part of a major rebuilding process at Liverpool under manager Andoni Iraola, who is looking to reshape his 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 has intensified alongside Liverpool’s efforts to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool therefore face a delicate balancing act. The club want to generate significant income from player sales, but must also ensure they do not weaken the squad or leave themselves short of options before the new campaign begins.
Sources familiar with the transfer market told CaughtOffside that Inter Milan have made Jones one of their leading targets and believe a deal could be completed for about €35m.
Liverpool had hoped to receive closer to €40m for the midfielder. However, Jones’ willingness to pursue a new challenge in Serie A could help move negotiations towards a decisive stage.
Speculation over Jones’ future has increased in recent weeks, particularly after he was left out of some matches. Reports close to Liverpool have said, though, that his absences were caused by 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 right time to sell and avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season. Inter Milan’s clear interest and the player’s apparent desire to experience Italian football have strengthened that possibility.
Talks over Gakpo’s proposed move to Tottenham Hotspur are also progressing quickly. The Netherlands international has reached a preliminary agreement with Tottenham over personal terms, potentially clearing an important obstacle to a transfer.
Liverpool are holding out for more than £60m before considering Gakpo’s departure, while other estimates suggest the club value the forward at around £70m.
Gakpo’s position is significantly different from Jones’ because his Liverpool contract runs until 2030. That gives the club a strong negotiating hand and means they do not need to accept a sale unless Tottenham meet the valuation set by Liverpool.
The forward’s future is closely connected to Liverpool’s plans to strengthen their attacking options, particularly on the wings. Barcola is among the club’s main targets, and Liverpool have already reached an agreement with the player over personal terms. PSG, however, continue to maintain their high financial demands.
Selling both Jones and Gakpo could provide Liverpool with an important financial boost, but the club will need to proceed carefully. Securing suitable replacements is likely to be essential before either player is allowed to leave.
From a financial perspective, a sale involving Jones appears logical. His contract expires next summer, his current value could be around €35m, and there is serious interest from Inter Milan, while the player is open to moving to Italy.
Gakpo’s situation is less urgent. With his deal running until 2030, Liverpool have no immediate reason to sell unless Tottenham submit an offer that matches the club’s valuation.
The possible departures of Jones and Gakpo would therefore represent more than a simple reduction in squad numbers or an attempt to raise funds. They would form part of a wider plan to rebuild Liverpool’s squad and give Iraola the opportunity to shape the team according to his footballing vision before the new season begins.
