Liverpool are prioritising the signing of Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, 28, as manager Arne Slot looks to address a growing defensive crisis ahead of the summer transfer window. According to reports in Italy and corroborated by Fabrizio Romano, the Netherlands international is available via a €25 million (£21.7 million) release clause, making him a primary target alongside RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida. Liverpool have already committed to a significant defensive overhaul, having recently secured the signature of 20-year-old French centre-back Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes in an initial £55 million deal plus add-ons.
Dumfries and Geertruida lead Slot’s defensive shortlist
The pursuit of Dumfries follows a failed attempt to bolsters the right-back position in January. Fabrizio Romano reports that Dumfries is "highly rated" by Slot, who is keen to utilise the player's experience in a squad facing significant departures. Concurrently, Liverpool remain in the hunt for Geertruida, 25, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig. While Liverpool attempted to hijack that loan deal in February, the move collapsed when Sunderland could not secure a replacement. Geertruida is understood to be available for approximately £20 million this summer, providing a versatile option capable of covering both right-back and centre-back roles.
Tactical necessity and squad restructuring at Anfield
The urgency for a specialist right-back stems from a long-term knee injury to Conor Bradley and the inconsistent availability of Jeremie Frimpong. Selling Frimpong, who carries an Estimated Transfer Value of €59.7 million, could theoretically fund the moves for both Dumfries and Geertruida while providing surplus capital for other areas. This restructuring is critical as the club prepares for life without Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, both of whom Slot confirmed would depart this summer. Adding Dumfries would bring a proven Serie A winner to the backline, offering the physicality required to replace the attacking output lost in the wider areas. Beyond the first team, Liverpool are also showing tentative interest in AZ Alkmaar’s 21-year-old midfielder Kees Smit as part of a wider profile shift toward Eredivisie-trained talent.
With Champions League qualification likely to dictate the final budget, Liverpool officials are expected to trigger movement on the Dumfries clause early in the June window.