Liverpool consider move for Inter Milan's Dumfries amid right-back concerns
Liverpool are considering a summer move for Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries as they look to address ongoing issues at right-back, according to multiple reports. The Premier League club are aware of a release clause in the Dutch international's contract, believed to be worth in the region of £21 million, which could facilitate a transfer.
According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Liverpool have given 'serious thought' to recruiting a new full-back following another season disrupted by injuries in the position. The club's current options, Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, have both faced significant spells on the sidelines, forcing manager Arne Slot to use midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones as makeshift cover. TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey also reported that intermediaries acting on behalf of Dumfries have offered the player to several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool.
The 30-year-old Dumfries, who has been a key figure for Inter since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, would bring considerable experience and a proven track record at the highest level. His potential availability for a relatively modest fee, given the current market, is understood to be a major point of attraction for the Anfield hierarchy. However, the club's interest is reported to be measured, as they retain faith in Bradley and Frimpong when fully fit and do not wish to make a panic purchase.
Liverpool had previously considered Dumfries during the January transfer window but ultimately focused their efforts on other targets, such as securing Rennes centre-back Jeremy Jacquet. The renewed links suggest the recruitment team, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, is revisiting the option ahead of the summer. Sources indicate that Dumfries himself would be open to a new challenge in English football.
In a further indication of their planning for the position, Liverpool also retain an interest in Sunderland's versatile defender Lutsharel Geertruida. The 25-year-old Dutchman, on loan from RB Leipzig, has impressed in multiple roles for the Championship side and is available for a fee around £20 million. While Sunderland hold an option to buy, Geertruida's representatives are aware of interest from several top-flight clubs, including Aston Villa, Everton, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace.
The potential pursuit of Dumfries represents a slight shift in Liverpool's typical transfer strategy, which in recent years has focused on signing younger players with high resale value. His age and immediate readiness, however, could provide a solution to a problem that has plagued the squad throughout the current campaign. Any move would signal a clear intent to solidify a defensive area that has required constant improvisation this season.
