Liverpool have found themselves dealing with an unexpected issue at right-back following the departure of their long-serving academy graduate, who ended a remarkable two-decade association with the club by securing a move to Real Madrid for a relatively modest £10 million fee. At the time, the transfer appeared manageable, with the club hierarchy believing they had already taken the necessary steps to fill the gap.
Manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes initially felt confident that the situation was under control. The club acted swiftly by handing a new contract to promising young defender Conor Bradley, reinforcing their belief in his potential as a long-term solution. In addition, they secured the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £29.5 million, expecting the Dutch international to step in and provide immediate quality and consistency in the role.
However, things have not unfolded as planned. Frimpong, now 25, has struggled to fully adapt to the demands of the position within Liverpool’s system. While he arrived with a strong reputation built in Germany, his performances at right-back have not met expectations, raising doubts about his suitability for the role in a more traditional defensive setup. Compounding the problem further, Bradley has been sidelined due to a long-term injury, leaving the team short of natural options in that area.
As a result, Slot has been forced to improvise. Midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones have both been deployed out of position at right-back in recent matches. While they have shown willingness and effort, neither player is a natural fit for the defensive responsibilities required in that role.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez has also seen increased game time, stepping in more frequently than originally anticipated to provide cover. Although Gomez is capable of filling the role, relying on him so heavily was not part of the club’s initial plan for the season.
Given these challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear that Liverpool may need to address the issue in the transfer market rather than relying solely on internal solutions. Reports suggest that Richard Hughes is now actively exploring options to strengthen the right-back position, with the aim of bringing in a more reliable and experienced player.
One name that continues to surface in connection with Liverpool is Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan. The 30-year-old Dutch international has emerged as a strong candidate, particularly due to a release clause in his contract that reportedly makes him available for around €25 million. Considering his experience and track record, that figure represents a relatively affordable opportunity in today’s transfer market.
Liverpool are believed to have shown interest in Dumfries earlier in the year, with reports indicating that they explored the possibility of signing him during the January transfer window. However, for various reasons, the move did not progress beyond the initial stages, and no agreement was reached at the time.
Now, the situation appears to have resurfaced, with well-connected journalist Dominic King highlighting Dumfries as a player who could meet many of Liverpool’s requirements. According to his report, the club remains aware of the release clause and sees the Inter defender as a viable solution to their current problems.
Dumfries brings a number of qualities that would appeal to Liverpool. Known for his pace and physicality, he is capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His experience at the highest level, including helping Inter Milan compete strongly in Serie A, adds further value to his profile. Additionally, his winning mentality and familiarity with high-pressure environments could prove beneficial for a Liverpool side aiming to remain competitive at the top level.
Another factor that could work in Liverpool’s favour is Dumfries’ connection with Virgil van Dijk, as the two players share a close friendship and have played together at international level. This relationship could help ease his transition into the squad and improve team chemistry.
Tactically, Dumfries has often operated as a wing-back, particularly in Inter’s system. However, his versatility means he is capable of adapting to different roles, including a more conventional right-back position if required. This flexibility would be valuable for Slot, who has shown a willingness to adjust his tactics depending on the opposition and available personnel.
Ultimately, the potential signing of Dumfries appears to make practical sense for Liverpool. He offers experience, reliability, and a relatively affordable price point, all of which align with the club’s current needs. While no deal has been finalized, the growing links suggest that this is a situation worth monitoring closely as the transfer window approaches.
If Liverpool do decide to pursue the move, it could provide a much-needed solution to a problem that has disrupted their defensive stability throughout the season.
