Curtis Jones' departure to Internazionale marks a significant loss for Liverpool, especially given his impactful performance at the San Siro last December. In a match where Liverpool triumphed against a struggling team, Jones stood out as the best player, showcasing his potential to influence games.

After multiple attempts to secure Jones, Inter finally succeeded with a €35m (£30m) offer, despite Liverpool initially valuing him at €40m (£34m). The summer transfer market has seen inflated prices for midfielders, making this deal seem like a bargain for Inter.

Liverpool has faced challenges in contract negotiations, losing several key players on free transfers in recent years, including Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, and Gini Wijnaldum. With Jones's contract nearing its end, his loss highlights the club's ongoing struggle to maintain homegrown talent in the squad, especially as local players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jones now play abroad.

Despite being a capable player, Jones has never secured a consistent starting position at Liverpool, having played 228 times without starting 20 league games in a season. His versatility shone through, but a rigid pecking order under coach Arne Slot limited his opportunities.

Jones' ability to maintain a high pass completion rate and his leadership potential, evidenced by becoming Liverpool's youngest-ever captain at 19, indicate his talent. However, with new signings complicating the midfield situation and Inter's established players, it remains to be seen how often he will feature.

Ultimately, Liverpool must confront both the loss of a promising local player and the implications of their transfer strategy as they move forward.