Image Credits: Imago Images
Denzel Dumfries was reportedly on Liverpool’s radar for a reason.
The Dutch right-back is 29 and has built a reputation at Inter Milan as an aggressive, attacking wing-back who thrives in big games.
Reports say he had been thinking about a Premier League move for some time, and January presented what looked like the perfect window.
Liverpool suddenly found themselves short on the right side. Jeremie Frimpong picked up a hamstring injury during the Champions League win over Qarabag.
Conor Bradley is already ruled out long term with a serious knee problem.
Arne Slot was left thin in a position that demands pace and reliability.
Inter were also active behind the scenes.
They were searching for alternatives and even explored a replacement in Norton-Cuffy, believing Dumfries could be sold if the right offer arrived.
From the outside, the situation lined up neatly.
Liverpool needed cover.
Inter were open to business. Dumfries wanted England. It looked like a winter solution waiting to happen.
But deals rarely follow simple logic.
Timing, fitness and squad demands shape every January decision.
Liverpool were not chasing depth.
They were chasing someone ready to walk straight into the starting lineup. That distinction became critical.
Acording to Calciomercato, the turning point was Dumfries’ fitness.
The Inter defender suffered an ankle injury in December and is not expected back until late February.
Slot needed an immediate starter. That mismatch ended Liverpool’s push.
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta addressed the contact directly, saying, “Liverpool for Dumfries? Phone calls were also made inappropriately.”
His comment reflected frustration around how the situation unfolded while confirming communication did happen.
Behind the scenes, Inter were prepared to sell. Reports state Liverpool withdrew once recovery timelines became clear.
Slot’s injury situation on the flanks meant he could not wait weeks for a player to return.
Italian reporting adds that Dumfries has long wanted a Premier League move. Inter even positioned Norton-Cuffy as a potential replacement.
Yet Liverpool’s requirement was clear: availability now, not later.
From a Reds perspective, the decision was practical. Slot blocked the move because Dumfries did not meet the immediate need.
The interest may resurface in summer, but January was about survival and stability.
For now, Liverpool chose certainty over potential.
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