Liverpool Eye Inter’s Dumfries Amid Injury Crisis at Right Back

Liverpool have contacted Inter Milan about signing right-back Denzel Dumfries. The move comes as injuries leave the club short at the position, with Conor Bradley out for the season and Jeremie Frimpong sidelined for weeks. These talks happened on Friday as the January transfer window nears its end.

Background

Liverpool sit top of the Premier League, but their defense has taken hits. Conor Bradley, a young right-back, suffered a serious injury that rules him out until next season. Jeremie Frimpong picked up his problem in a Champions League match against Qarabag during the week. The Dutch player faces time away, leaving manager Arne Slot with few options on the right flank.

Denzel Dumfries has impressed at Inter Milan since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2021. The 29-year-old Netherlands international brings pace, strength in the air, and goals from defense. He has started most games for Inter this season, helping them lead Serie A. But Dumfries deals with his own issue—an ankle injury from November that keeps him out for another 10 to 20 days.

Inter value Dumfries highly. His release clause sits around €20m to €25m, but it only kicks in during the summer. The club wants to keep him unless they find a solid replacement. Names like Brooke Norton-Cuffy from Arsenal have come up as options for Inter.

This is not the first time Dumfries links to England. Manchester United and Manchester City showed interest before. Now Liverpool step in during an emergency.

Key Details

Liverpool held club-to-club talks with Inter on Friday. They asked about Dumfries' availability and injury recovery. No bid has gone in yet, and no full negotiation started. Liverpool see a loan as the only path right now. Inter turned down that idea, preferring a permanent sale later.

The talks also covered Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. Inter proposed a six-month loan for Jones with an option to buy for €40m. They would cover his salary and pay a loan fee. Jones, who turned 25 on Friday, has played 29 times for Liverpool this season. He shone in their Champions League win over Inter at San Siro last month.

Jones enters the final 18 months of his contract. Tottenham chased him earlier this window before signing Conor Gallagher. Inter wants Jones only if they sell Davide Frattesi. Nottingham Forest push hard for the Italian midfielder.

“Liverpool asked about the situation of Dumfries. His release clause is not valid in January, it’s only valid in the summer. But the understanding is Liverpool asked about the player and the injury situation.” – Fabrizio Romano

Injury Timelines

Dumfries expects to return soon after ankle surgery. Liverpool need cover now, not in weeks. Bradley's season-ending blow and Frimpong's layoff force quick action. Trent Alexander-Arnold has filled in at times, but the club wants depth.

Inter hold a strong position. They lead Serie A and plan ahead. If Frattesi leaves for Forest, Jones fits as replacement. Liverpool hesitate on Jones' exit with their squad thin.

What This Means

A Dumfries deal looks unlikely before Monday's deadline. His injury blocks an immediate role, and Inter resist a loan. Liverpool focus on short-term fixes while eyeing summer options. The club turned down Feyenoord's Givairo Read despite interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

For Jones, Inter push because Frattesi talks heat up. Forest's interest could trigger a chain: Frattesi out, Jones in at Inter. Liverpool weigh keeping their homegrown player against adding at right back. Jones gave personal green light to the move, but the club has not.

Inter scout widely. They talk to Al Ittihad about Moussa Diaby, PSV about Ivan Perisic, and Genoa about Norton-Cuffy. Liverpool face other links too. Kostas Tsimikas agreed terms to leave, and a bid came for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Dayot Upamecano from Bayern draws attention from multiple clubs including Liverpool.

This window started quiet for Liverpool but picked up Friday. Injuries drive moves, and linked deals add layers. Inter and Liverpool keep good relations open for future talks. Dumfries could suit Anfield long-term with his Premier League-ready style. Jones' form makes him attractive in Italy.

Squad depth matters in a packed schedule of league, cups, and Europe. Liverpool aim to stay strong without rash spending. Inter balance keeping stars while refreshing midfield. Both clubs watch the clock as deals hinge on each other.

Other Premier League sides stay busy. Arsenal eye Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. Juventus chase Randal Kolo Muani. Bayern pressure Upamecano on his contract. Fulham's Harry Wilson draws free-agent interest from Villa, Leeds, Brentford, and Sunderland.

Liverpool's right-back search highlights deeper squad needs. Injuries expose limits, pushing emergency plans. Talks with Inter show creativity in a tight window. Outcomes depend on player fitness, club priorities, and deadline pressure.