Liverpool now stand on the threshold of a new season without a local-born player in their first-team squad, after agreeing to Curtis Jones's transfer to Inter Milan for £30 million, a move that ends a long-standing connection between the club and its homegrown stars.
According to The Athletic, Jones's departure to Inter leaves manager Andoni Iraola without any Liverpool-born players in his squad, ending a tradition in which the club has featured at least one local talent in every Premier League season, from Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler, through Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones.
Iraola had previously insisted on keeping Jones, emphasizing the importance of having a local player within the team, but during pre-season he came to realize that the midfielder's departure might be the best option for all parties involved.
Jones's decision came after his role at Liverpool diminished; he was effectively fifth in the midfield hierarchy, behind Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister, leading him to recognize the difficulty of securing the starting role he desires.
Despite making 49 appearances last season—his highest tally with Liverpool—Jones started only 28 matches, including seven at right-back, and failed to earn a spot in England's World Cup squad.
Inter Milan had shown interest in signing Jones since last winter's transfer window, before negotiations resumed this summer, offering the player an opportunity to join a club where he could play a bigger role, coinciding with the final year of his contract at Liverpool.
The deal includes Inter receiving 10% of any future sale fee for Jones. Liverpool faced no strong competition from other Premier League clubs to drive up the price, especially since the Italian side had initially opened negotiations with an offer below £20 million.
Despite Jones's departure, Liverpool are not expected to sign a replacement midfielder before the transfer window closes, given their confidence in 19-year-old Trey Nyoni to take on a larger role following his impressive pre-season performances.
Liverpool have currently set aside reinforcing their midfield as a priority, instead focusing resources on strengthening their attacking options, particularly on the wing, as the club continues its efforts to sign Frenchman Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.
Although Jones's departure marks a temporary end to the presence of Liverpool-born players in the first team, the club is betting on its Kirkby Academy to produce a new generation that will restore this special bond between the squad and the Anfield faithful.
