Inter are evaluating Curtis Jones as a potential midfield target after Liverpool manager Slot used the England international at right-back nine times last season.
Jones is primarily a creative central midfielder, but his ability to operate in several positions is attracting attention as Inter consider how he could fit into their squad. The Liverpool Academy graduate has made 228 appearances for the club and has also covered at right-back during his career.
Born into a Liverpool-supporting family, Jones initially enjoyed playing as an attacking midfielder and has since experienced almost every position on the pitch. At Inter, he would be viewed first and foremost as a technically gifted central midfielder, capable of contributing to a team built around possession, control and quick vertical movement.
Jones has often linked his footballing instincts to Toxteth, the Liverpool suburb where he grew up. He has described taking his boots with him to training from an early age, saying: “That’s what made me who I am today.”
He has never scored more than five goals in a season, reaching that total only in the 2023-24 campaign. However, his influence has not been limited to his attacking numbers, with his performances in unfamiliar roles demonstrating his adaptability.
Slot selected Jones at right-back nine times last season. Two of those appearances came in the Champions League, when he started against Galatasaray and Paris Saint-Germain, while two more were in the FA Cup. His other outings in the position came in the Premier League.
His display in Liverpool’s match against Manchester United in early May illustrated why his versatility has interested Inter. Jones played the full game at right-back, helped Liverpool build attacks from the opening phase and regularly exchanged positions with Virgil van Dijk. He completed about 90 passes and remained heavily involved throughout the match.
A similar pattern was evident in the following game against Chelsea. Jones repeatedly looked to move the ball forward with through passes, while also using passes back to the defensive midfielder to help organise Liverpool’s possession. His ability to manage the game from the side of the defence was regarded as a key part of his contribution.
Slot has previously praised Jones’ willingness to take responsibility wherever he is selected. “He shows personality in every position. He’s never afraid to play, to take the ball, and especially not afraid to take risks.”
Inter could potentially use Jones in a similar way, including as a converted wing-back if circumstances required it. Such a role would more likely be an emergency option or an in-match tactical adjustment than his regular position.
The club’s thinking is also influenced by the development of Diouf, who began as a central midfielder before Chivu moved him into a wider role because of his physical qualities. The need to recruit a second wing-back, which is linked to the possible departure of Luis Enrique, may therefore be slightly less pressing, even if the incoming player were available at a low cost.
After Spence, Inter are expected to focus their major investment on midfield. Jones is their leading target because he offers both midfield quality and positional flexibility.
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