Inter’s €25m gamble: Pisilli over Jones as Liverpool talks stall

Inter Milan have hit a standstill in negotiations for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, with the Nerazzurri now reportedly set to pursue Roma’s Niccolò Pisilli instead. The 25-year-old Englishman had been targeted for a fee around €25 million, but Liverpool’s demands of €40 million—plus bonuses and a high salary—have created a stalemate.

Pisilli, aged 21, emerges as Inter’s alternative, with Corriere dello Sport reporting he is valued at €25 million. The Roma academy graduate currently earns approximately €2.5 million per season, including bonuses—significantly less than Jones’s expected wage.

Roma’s financial situation adds urgency to the potential sale. The Giallorossi must offload players before June 30 to meet UEFA’s financial fair play settlement terms. Pisilli’s status as an academy product means any transfer fee would be recorded as pure capital gain for Roma.

Inter’s summer has already seen missed targets, including Marco Palestra to Chelsea and Nico Paz to Como. The Jones deal’s collapse leaves a midfield void the Nerazzurri appear determined to fill quickly.

Liverpool’s stance has hardened, with the club insisting on a fee closer to €40 million, including add-ons. The salary demands for Jones have further complicated talks, leaving Inter to reassess their options.

Pisilli’s profile aligns with Inter’s needs: a younger, less expensive option with potential for development. His €2.5 million salary is a fraction of Jones’s expected wages, easing financial constraints for the Nerazzurri.

Roma’s financial fair play obligations may force their hand. The club’s need to generate funds before June 30 could make Pisilli’s sale an attractive proposition, even for a high-value academy player.

With the window closing, Inter’s focus shifts to Pisilli. The 21-year-old’s valuation matches the budget left by Jones’s stalled deal, making him a pragmatic alternative.