Liverpool have held discussions about strengthening their defensive ranks ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on the 2nd February.
Liverpool facing defensive injury crisis
As defending Premier League champions, it has scarcely been the season many would have expected from Liverpool. Other than Hugo Ekitike, most of the other faces signed in Liverpool's huge summer spending spree have struggled for form, fitness or both at Anfield thus far.
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike Related
Top target: Liverpool in talks to seal best signing since Ekitike for £69m
FSG are wrestling with a number of problems as Liverpool continue to flatter to deceive under Arne Slot.
As Liverpool continue to be linked with potential further additions, there has been much focus put on their defensive options.
The club had targeted Marc Guehi prior to his Manchester City switch, with their fit senior centre-back options to choose from being threadbare.
fernandes-gomez-liverpool-west-ham
Elsewhere in the defence, Jeremie Frimpong has faced injury issues since arriving in the summer, whilst Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the season after suffering an injury against Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of his side's clash with Newcastle United in the Premier League, Slot gave little away about his side's plans until the end of the window, saying, as per the BBC: "If we have addressed a player that we think can help us and the figure is possible then we will do so. Those are conversations that take place not far away from here, but not in this room."
Now, it has been reported that Liverpool have held talks around a potential arrival, with just days remaining in the winter transfer window.
Liverpool hold "conversation" about acquiring right-back
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Liverpool had engaged in discussions with Inter Milan about signing one of their star defenders. Romano noted that the Reds were "discussing" the possibility of bringing in a new right-back in the coming days, before specifically mentioning Denzel Dumfries.
“Liverpool today had a conversation with Inter. A club-to-club conversation with Inter. Very good relationship.
“So, from what I'm told, Liverpool asked about the situation of Denzel Dumfries. The release clause is not valid in January. The release clause, around €20–25m, is only valid in the summer.
"But the understanding on this story is that Liverpool have asked about the player and the injury situation."
Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries
Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries
With injuries befalling both Bradley and Frimpong, it feels essential that Liverpool strengthen their options at right-back. An Inter player since 2021, Denzel Dumfries has consistently been a star for the Italian giants, helping Inter reach two Champions League finals in three years between 2023 and 2025.
Though close to making a return, Dumfries has missed a large chunk of the current campaign due to an ankle injury. Liverpool, as per Romano, have "asked" Inter about Dumfries' situation at this moment and the clubs evidently share a good relationship. It has recently been reported that the Italian juggernauts were hoping to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones to bolster themselves for the second half of their season.
It appears unlikely that Liverpool will negotiate a deal for Dumfries, despite their interest. Romano stated that the Reds want a loan, which the Italians simply do not. The Dutchman's release clause only activates in the summer, which could further dissuade Liverpool from making a bid. Slot's team could well seek further depth at right-back in preparation for the remainder of the current campaign. It appears, though, that they will have to look elsewhere.