Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has moved quickly to dismiss speculation linking Denzel Dumfries with a late transfer to Liverpool, making it clear that the Dutch defender will not be leaving the San Siro. Marotta was emphatic that there is “absolutely no chance” of the right-back departing before the transfer window closes.
Dumfries, a powerful and attack-minded full-back, had been mentioned as a possible Liverpool target in the final days of the January window. The Netherlands international, who shares international duty with Liverpool players Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong, was reportedly being considered as a short-term solution to Liverpool’s defensive issues. Some outlets even suggested an unlikely swap deal involving Reds midfielder Curtis Jones.
However, those reports have been firmly rejected by all parties involved. Liverpool have no plans to pursue Dumfries and have no intention of allowing Jones to leave the club. Instead, attention at Anfield briefly shifted toward another Dutch defender, Lutsharel Geertruida, as the club explored alternative options.
Liverpool were understood to be interested in signing Geertruida on loan before the deadline, provided agreements could be reached with both RB Leipzig, who own the player, and Sunderland. Despite that interest, the chances of the deal being completed now appear slim.
Geertruida was seen as a particularly appealing option due to his familiarity with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, having previously worked under him at Feyenoord. His potential arrival would have helped ease Liverpool’s growing defensive concerns, with Jeremie Frimpong injured and Conor Bradley ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Another key factor in Liverpool’s interest was Geertruida’s versatility. The defender is capable of operating both at right-back and centre-back, which would have been valuable given the absence of Giovanni Leoni through injury and the careful management of Joe Gomez’s ongoing fitness issues.
Meanwhile, Dumfries remains an important figure at Inter despite his recent injury troubles. Now 29, he is well known for his explosive runs down the right flank and his ability to influence games in the final third. He memorably scored twice in Inter’s thrilling Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona last season. Although he has made 15 appearances this campaign, an ankle injury has kept him sidelined since November.
Even so, Marotta was keen to shut down any uncertainty surrounding Dumfries’ future. Speaking ahead of Inter’s Serie A match against Cremonense, he criticised the speculation, saying such conversations only serve to unsettle players and clubs. He concluded by reaffirming Inter’s stance: Dumfries is staying put and remains part of their plans.
