Denzel Dumfries would offer Liverpool a short-term fix for their ongoing issues at right-back, but he would not be at the top of many supporters’ wishlists.
The Reds should be in the market for a right full-back this summer having seen big problems arise in the position since Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit last year.
Strong links to Dumfries have reappeared this week, and although the Dutchman’s £21.7m release clause, his experience and his quality make him an attractive target, Liverpool would be better off looking at his Serie A colleague Marco Palestra.
With Arne Slot expected to stay, will Liverpool challenge for the Premier League next season?
Or will it be another difficult campaign? 😬
Arne Slot reacts animatedly during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine).
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot kisses the Premier League trophy after the final day of the 2025/26 season at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Marco Palestra should be Liverpool’s right-back answer
There would be plenty of sense in Liverpool looking to Dumfries as a cut-price, low risk option who would not stand in the way of Conor Bradley’s long-term development.
The Reds clearly have big faith in Bradley as being their long-term right-back, and there is an argument that bringing in another player of a similar age may get in the way of that.
On the other hand, the Liverpool academy graduate has shown fairly clearly that injuries will be an issue for him. He may be good enough to fill the role, although that in itself is still up for debate, but the simple fact is that the Reds have not been able to rely on him.
One way of mitigating this would be to sign an experienced option like Dumfries, but another would be to add a player of a potentially similar level who could then fight it out with Bradley to become first choice. Palestra would fit that bill.
Marco Palestra applauds fans after Italy's FIFA World Cup play-off win over Northern Ireland
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Who is Marco Palestra?
Liverpool have indeed been linked with Palestra as they assess their options at right-back, and the Atalanta man should be ahead of Dumfries in the thinking.
Having excelled on loan with Cagliari this season, the 21-year-old is already a full Italy international who is attracting the attention of Serie A’s biggest sides.
After registering five goal contributions in 32 appearances, Palestra has been a big part of the reason why Cagliari are currently winning their battle against relegation.
An attacking full-back who is also comfortable on the wing, the youngster looks primed to take another step this summer.
Richard Hughes can be the key to Palestra deal
In each of his two summers as Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes has bought an Italian player.
Neither Federico Chiesa nor Giovanni Leoni have proven to be successes just yet, although there are high hopes for Leoni, but having spent his formative years as a youth player with Atalanta, perhaps Hughes will head back to his former club for Palestra.
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Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watching on during the Reds' Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones
What is clear is that Liverpool cannot afford to ignore right-back for another summer. It was admirable to put faith in Bradley, and he deserved to give it a shot, but the Northern Irishman needs reliable competition.
Jeremie Frimpong has shown signs that he is not it, and though nobody should complain if it is Dumfries who arrives, Palestra would be another high-potential addition as Liverpool look to build their next great future squad.
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