Liverpool face summer decisions over Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo

Liverpool are preparing for the possible departure of two prominent players this summer, with Curtis Jones attracting strong interest from Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur advancing in their pursuit of Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo.

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

Jones is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract, while Tottenham’s desire to sign Gakpo is growing at the same time as Liverpool pursue Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool therefore face a delicate balancing act. The club want to secure substantial transfer income from the 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 Milan have made Jones their leading target and believe a deal could be completed for about 35m euros.

Liverpool had hoped to receive closer to 40m euros for the midfielder. However, Jones’ openness to taking on a new challenge in Italian football could help negotiations move towards a decisive stage.

Speculation over the 24-year-old’s future has increased in recent weeks, particularly after he was absent from some of Liverpool’s matches. Reports close to the club have said those omissions were linked to a hip problem and measures concerning the management of his fitness, rather than an attempt to protect him from injury ahead of a possible transfer.

With Jones approaching the final season of his contract, Liverpool may see this summer as the ideal opportunity to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of next season. Inter’s clear interest and the player’s apparent willingness to move to Italy strengthen the case for a sale.

Tottenham make progress on Gakpo

Talks over Gakpo’s possible move to Tottenham Hotspur are developing quickly. The Netherlands winger has reached a preliminary agreement with Tottenham over personal terms, a step which could clear the way for the clubs to complete a transfer.

Liverpool are holding out for more than £60m for Gakpo, while other estimates suggest the club value the player at about £70m.

His position is significantly different to that of Jones. Gakpo is under contract at Liverpool until 2030, giving the club a strong negotiating position and meaning it does not need to approve his departure unless Tottenham meet the required valuation.

The winger’s future is closely connected to Liverpool’s plans to strengthen their attacking options, particularly in the wide areas. Barcola is among their main targets in the transfer market, and Liverpool have already reached an agreement with the player over personal terms.

Paris Saint-Germain, however, continue to demand a sizeable fee for Barcola, leaving Liverpool still needing to negotiate with the French club.

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

From a financial perspective, Jones appears the more logical sale. His contract expires next summer, his current value is thought to be about 35m euros and there is serious interest from Inter Milan, alongside the player’s desire to experience football in Italy.

Gakpo’s situation is very different. With his deal running until 2030, Liverpool have no urgent reason to sell him and can afford to wait unless Tottenham submit an offer matching the club’s valuation.

The possible departures are therefore not simply about reducing the size of the squad or raising funds. They are part of a wider 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.