Agent explains how Liverpool decision blocked Frattesi move to Forest

Nottingham Forest’s efforts to sign Davide Frattesi collapsed late in the January window after Liverpool decided to keep hold of Curtis Jones, according to the midfielder’s agent.

Giuseppe Riso has revealed how Forest’s long-running pursuit of the Inter midfielder became entangled in a wider chain of transfer decisions involving Liverpool, ultimately bringing the proposed move to a halt.

Frattesi had been widely expected to leave Inter this month after slipping down the pecking order, but the Italian club’s need for a replacement proved decisive.

Davide Frattesi has been heavily linked with a January exit, with Nottingham Forest among the most persistent suitors. Forest had been working on a deal for several weeks as they looked to strengthen their midfield options for the second half of the Premier League season.

However, Inter were only prepared to sanction Frattesi’s departure if they could secure a replacement first. Their primary target was Curtis Jones.

Reports earlier in the window suggested Liverpool were open to Jones leaving, provided he agreed a new contract beforehand. That scenario ultimately failed to materialise, with Liverpool deciding instead to retain the academy graduate.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Frattesi’s agent Giuseppe Riso confirmed that Liverpool’s stance directly impacted his client’s future.

“There was interest from Lazio and Nottingham,” Riso explained. “Then Liverpool refused to release Jones, and in the end, everything ground to a halt.

“Inter don’t want to do without him at this time and didn’t want to move forward.”

With Jones unavailable, Inter opted against weakening their midfield further, effectively shutting the door on Forest’s move.

Frattesi’s situation appears to have shifted since then. The midfielder started Inter’s recent clash with Cremonese, a selection that suggested the club had moved on from the idea of a January sale.

For Nottingham Forest, the breakdown was a significant frustration after weeks of groundwork, highlighting how late-window deals can hinge on multiple clubs acting in sequence.

With the window now closed, Frattesi is expected to remain at Inter until at least the summer, when his situation may be reassessed. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will revisit midfield targets in the next window, having seen this move unravel due to factors beyond their control.