Liverpool’s search for a long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold has been anything but smooth. Since the homegrown right-back departed for Real Madrid last summer on a cut-price £10m deal, the Premier League champions have struggled to find a reliable solution on the right flank.
Sporting director Richard Hughes moved decisively in the previous window, activating a £29.5m release clause to bring in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley was handed a significant new contract as the club looked to build for the future. However, neither player has fully convinced as Alexander-Arnold’s heir.
Frimpong has delivered an inconsistent campaign and still does not look entirely natural in the right-back role. Bradley’s season was cruelly cut short by injury in January, leaving him with plenty to prove once he returns. In the meantime, Arne Slot has been forced to improvise, deploying midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endo in the position — a clear sign that a permanent fix is now a top priority ahead of the summer transfer window.
Enter Denzel Dumfries
Amid the uncertainty, one name is rapidly emerging as a highly realistic and attractive option: Denzel Dumfries.
The 30-year-old Inter Milan defender is not only available but actively pushing for a move to Anfield. According to reports, Dumfries’ representatives and intermediaries have made Liverpool fully aware of his strong desire to test himself in the Premier League. With a tantalising release clause of just over £20m, the Dutch international represents exceptional value for a player of his calibre and experience.
Dumfries has just completed another outstanding season, helping Inter Milan secure the Serie A title. A multiple trophy winner in Italy, he brings proven big-game pedigree and leadership qualities that would immediately strengthen Liverpool’s squad.
Why Liverpool Are Leading the Race
Liverpool are understood to be the strongest contenders at this stage. The club have long admired the Netherlands international, and that interest has only grown under Arne Slot. Dumfries’ camp believes Anfield would be the perfect next chapter, and they have been proactive in reaching out to Premier League clubs, with Manchester City and Arsenal also mentioned as potential suitors.
The Dutch connection at Liverpool makes the move even more logical. Dumfries would arrive to find a familiar environment featuring head coach Slot, captain Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Jeremie Frimpong. Notably, he has already built a strong understanding with Frimpong on the right side of the Dutch national team, where Ronald Koeman often deploys Frimpong further forward.
At £20m, Dumfries offers an ideal blend of immediate impact, tactical familiarity, and financial prudence. He is battle-hardened, versatile, and possesses the physicality and attacking threat to dominate the right flank in the Premier League.
A Smart, Sensible Solution
While younger, high-potential talents have been linked with Liverpool, Dumfries represents a smart, experienced option who can hit the ground running. His desire to join — openly communicated by his entourage — adds extra motivation to the deal.
As the summer window approaches, Liverpool appear close to addressing one of their clearest areas of need. If the deal materialises, the Reds could be welcoming a “begging” Inter Milan warrior ready to tear up the Premier League right flank — all for a remarkably reasonable £20m fee.
Europe should take note. Liverpool’s next chapter on the right side of defence may already have its leading man.