Liverpool F.C. Star accused of 'white lie' over hip injury
Liverpool F.C. Midfielder Curtis Jones has been accused of telling a 'white lie' about a hip injury to force through a transfer to Inter Milan. The Italian club have been keen to sign Jones all summer and are reportedly closing in on an agreement.
Why it matters for Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool F.C. Have grown frustrated by Inter's approach to negotiations and have reportedly reduced their asking price in an effort to bring things to a conclusion. The Reds are ready to shake hands for a lower fee than their original asking price of €40m (£34m).
With all the speculation swirling, Jones has been absent from the last three pre-season matches, against Leeds, Monaco and Como. Asked why, after the 3-2 defeat by Monaco on August 9, manager Andoni Iraola put it down to a minor hip complaint. But having sat out of the 2-0 win over Como on Sunday - which came after Jones returned to training on Wednesday - reports in Italy have shed light on the situation. Sport Mediaset say the medical explanation is a 'white lie'. Instead, he is missing games in an effort to force through the transfer and avoid an injury which could jeopardise things.
Liverpool F.C. Are currently 25 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race and have scored 63 goals this season, conceding 53. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in Premier League, 60 pts, 17W-9D-12L from 38 games, recent form DLDLW.
Inter have loaned out Davide Frattesi to Lazio, freeing up space, and are ready to make an official bid worth €30m (£25.65m) plus add-ons. That is still some way below Liverpool's valuation, but time is running out in the transfer window and Jones has less than a year remaining on his contract. Their bargaining power is limited, with sales needed, having lost Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah for nothing this summer.
Speaking earlier in the summer, Iraola hinted he wanted to keep Jones, but the situation has changed. “I rate Curtis very highly,” he said. “For me he is a great, great player and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing. “It’s very important that he’s scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality. From the outside at least he looks like a player with good character and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time.”
