Denzel Dumfries picture shifts amid Liverpool late-window interest

He’s one of the top right-backs in Europe over the past five years, but Dumfries has been sidelined with an injury since mid-November.

But according to Sempre Inter, he could be available again in February. That timing might work well for Liverpool, who are dealing with their own issues at right-back.

What makes things more intriguing is a pair of updates from Italian journalists. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said on Thursday evening that former Arsenal right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy is in talks to join Inter before the deadline.

Adding to that, Marco Barzaghi, a reporter based in Milan, noted that there’s interest in Norton-Cuffy only if Dumfries leaves.

Barzaghi said on his YouTube channel: “Be careful, because all sport is talking about a possible big offer arriving for Dumfries in these last days of the transfer window.

“Romano and [Gianluca] Di Marzio were both saying only yesterday that Juventus and Everton are the clubs, not Inter, for Norton-Cuffy. But according to what our sources have explained, Norton-Cuffy is being seen as a backup option for Dumfries, in case Dumfries leaves.”

Dumfries could be a smart addition for Liverpool

The Dutchman might be dismissed as a potential signing by some due to the fact that he is currently awaiting recovery, having missed over two months of football.

Though Liverpool need an immediate right-back, signing Dumfries this month is a sensible decision. Despite turning 30 in April, he offers a genuine short and medium-term option for the Reds.

The reliability of Conor Bradley remains a concern for Liverpool. There have been too many fitness issues, and another dependable option is required in that role.

Jeremie Frimpong could fill that gap, but even then his talent lends itself better to attacking roles. With questions lingering over Mohamed Salah’s future, there is every chance Frimpong shifts further forward.

Slot may see value in bringing in another right-back regardless of the current injury picture, and given Dumfries’ contract runs until 2027, he could be an affordable and experienced solution for what they need now.

Dumfries already has strong ties within the club’s Dutch group – he is particularly close with Cody Gakpo – which should help him settle quickly if he does come in mid-season. The more you consider it, the clearer it becomes that he ticks a lot of boxes for what Liverpool need right now.