Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
After such a busy summer, the January transfer window has been one huge anti-climax for Liverpool.
The Reds have a number of gaping holes in their squad and though supporters had hoped to see them filled this New Year, they have instead been disappointed.
Another new problem opened up on Wednesday as Jeremie Frimpong limped out of the Champions League win over Qarabag. Arne Slot has since predicted that Frimpong will miss ‘a few weeks,’ but the vague timeline has left Liverpool fans worried and without a right-back.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watches from the stands as the Reds take on Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watches from the stands as the Reds take on Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
As well as giving some veiled clarity on Frimpong’s injury issue, Slot did not completely rule out a late move in the transfer window during his Friday press conference.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has insisted that Liverpool could make a signing if an opportunity arises, leaving faint hope for supporters that business could be done. Quite who the Reds could target has been a bit of a mystery, but fans should certainly be keeping a very close eye on the situation of Denzel Dumfries at Inter Milan.
Denzel Dumfries could leave Inter Milan
Although he has been one of the best right-backs in Europe over the past half-decade, Dumfries has actually been injured since mid-November.
However, according to a Thursday report from Sempre Inter, the 29-year-old could come back into contention from February. That could be ideal timing for Liverpool.
Denzel Dumfries pictured on the ball during Inter Milan's Serie A match against Lazio at San Siro
Photo by Luca Rossini/NurPhoto via Getty Images
What has made Dumfries’ situation become even more interesting, though, is an update from two Italian journalists. Firstly, transfer guru Romano reported on Thursday evening that former Arsenal right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy is in talks to join Inter before Monday’s deadline.
Fleshing out the links, Inter-based reporter Marco Barzaghi confirmed that there is interest in Norton-Cuffy, but only in the event that Dumfries leaves.
“Be careful, because all sport is talking about a possible big offer arriving for Dumfries in these last days of the transfer window,” Barzaghi told his YouTube channel on Friday.
Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool v Barnsley - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
“Romano and [Gianluca] Di Marzio were both saying only yesterday that Juventus and Everton are the clubs, not Inter, for Norton-Cuffy. But according to what our sources have explained, Norton-Cuffy is being seen as a backup option for Dumfries, in case Dumfries leaves.”
Why Dumfries would make sense for Liverpool
Some will look at the fact that Dumfries is currently awaiting recovery after missing more than two months of football and dismiss the Dutchman as a potential signing.
While it is true that Liverpool would need a new addition to play more immediately, his arrival would still make a lot of sense this month. The Reds are taking a more long-term view of what to do at right-back, and although he will turn 30 in April, Dumfries can still be a genuine option in the short and medium term.
Denzel Dumfries at Inter Milan
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2021/22 45 5 6
2022/23 51 2 4
2023/24 36 4 5
2024/25 45 11 5
2025/26 17 3 0
Conor Bradley has shown that he cannot be trusted in terms of staying fit, meaning Liverpool absolutely need a second top-quality choice at right-back. Frimpong could be that player, but it has also been clear that the 25-year-old is more effective in attack. With Mohamed Salah’s future still uncertain, that could be where he ends up playing most for Liverpool.
If that is the case then the Reds could do with another right-back regardless of current injuries, and with his contract ending in 2027, Dumfries would be an inexpensive, experienced and top-shelf option for Slot.
Already well-known to Liverpool’s Dutch contingent, Dumfries is good friends with Cody Gakpo in particular and this could aid a mid-season readjustment. The more you think about it, the more the former PSV man begins to tick every box. This could be one to keep an eye on.