𝗡𝗘𝗪: Manchester City Open Talks with Inter Milan for Denzel Dumfries as Right-Back Search Intensifies

𝗡𝗘𝗪: Manchester City Open Talks with Inter Milan for Denzel Dumfries as Right-Back Search Intensifies

Manchester City have reportedly initiated talks with Inter Milan over the potential signing of Dutch international right-back Denzel Dumfries, according to journalist Steve Kay via Football Transfers. This move comes on the heels of City finalising the surprising transfer of long-serving full-back Kyle Walker to Burnley — a move that has left many fans stunned and has immediately prompted a high-stakes search for a quality replacement.

 

Pep Guardiola is now prioritising reinforcements in the right-back position, and Dumfries has emerged as a serious candidate. The 28-year-old Netherlands international has been on City’s radar for some time, admired for his athleticism, physicality, and attacking threat down the flanks. With talks now underway, the Premier League champions appear to be laying the groundwork for a swift and decisive acquisition. ✍🏽

 

 

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🧭 A New Era at Right-Back Begins

 

The departure of Kyle Walker marks the end of an iconic era at Manchester City. Having joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, Walker played a pivotal role in City’s golden years under Pep Guardiola. His pace, power, and defensive reliability were critical in both domestic and European triumphs, including the historic Treble-winning season in 2022–23.

 

With Walker now surprisingly sold to Burnley — in a deal believed to be around £15 million — Guardiola must quickly reshape his defensive plans. While young Rico Lewis has shown promise and João Cancelo remains on the books (though his future is uncertain), City want an experienced and proven performer to take the reins in the right-back slot. Enter Denzel Dumfries.

 

 

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🇳🇱 Why Dumfries?

 

Denzel Dumfries is a player known for his relentless energy, explosive runs, and physical dominance. Since joining Inter Milan from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, Dumfries has grown into a consistent performer in Serie A and the Champions League. He’s contributed with key goals and assists, while also improving his defensive awareness under Simone Inzaghi’s guidance.

 

The Dutchman’s playing style is tailor-made for Pep Guardiola’s demands. Comfortable in a back four or as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 system, Dumfries combines strength, stamina, and attacking intelligence. His capacity to overlap and deliver crosses, as well as cut inside and create space for midfielders, gives Guardiola multiple tactical options.

 

At 6’2″, Dumfries also offers aerial presence and physicality — traits that City often rely on in tight games, especially against physical Premier League sides. Given Guardiola’s tendency to invert his full-backs or shift them into central midfield, Dumfries’ adaptability and experience at both club and international levels could prove invaluable.

 

 

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🗣️ The Talks with Inter Milan

 

While the talks between City and Inter are said to be in the early stages, they are considered serious and purposeful. Inter Milan are not actively looking to sell Dumfries but are aware of City’s interest and the financial power they can bring to the negotiating table.

 

According to sources, Inter would be open to letting Dumfries go for the right price — believed to be around €40–45 million (£34–38 million). With Dumfries entering the final year of his contract in 2025, Inter know this summer could be the optimal window to cash in if an extension cannot be agreed.

 

City, for their part, are weighing up their options. They have also been linked with Tino Livramento of Newcastle United and Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen, but Dumfries’ experience and current readiness for elite competition give him a significant advantage in the race.

 

 

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🧩 Squad Implications and Tactical Fit

 

Adding Dumfries would signal a continuation of Guardiola’s strategy to maintain tactical fluidity in all areas of the pitch. While Cancelo and Lewis offer technical finesse, Dumfries would bring a more direct and robust approach — especially useful in high-stakes matches where physical duels are decisive.

 

The Dutchman could slot in seamlessly into City’s current 3-2-4-1 formation when attacking, offering width on the right while maintaining a compact shape in defensive transitions. His international experience with the Netherlands — including strong performances in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup — underlines his ability to perform under pressure.

 

Dumfries could also share responsibilities with Rico Lewis, allowing the youngster to continue his development without being overloaded. Meanwhile, Cancelo’s future would likely be pushed further into doubt. The Portuguese full-back has already spent time on loan at Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and Dumfries’ arrival may prompt his permanent departure.

 

 

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💰 Financial Considerations

 

Manchester City have ample financial resources, especially after generating income through the sale of Walker and other fringe players this summer. The club is expected to approach Inter with an initial proposal that could include performance-related add-ons to reach Inter’s asking price.

 

Moreover, Dumfries’ wages are likely to be well within City’s budget parameters. At Inter, he is not among the top earners, and City can offer a significant upgrade in salary along with the opportunity to play for one of Europe’s most successful teams.

 

A five-year deal is expected to be on the table for Dumfries, providing him with long-term security and aligning with City’s model of investing in players who can contribute over multiple seasons.

 

 

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🔮 What’s Next?

 

Though the situation is developing, both parties are said to be open to finding common ground. Inter, mindful of balancing their books, may be willing to accept a well-structured offer from City. For Guardiola, getting a deal done early in the window would allow Dumfries to integrate with the squad ahead of their preseason tour.

 

Much depends on how quickly negotiations progress over the coming days. City may look to accelerate the process if rival clubs, such as Manchester United or Bayern Munich — both previously linked with Dumfries — re-enter the picture.

 

If the deal does go through, Dumfries would become City’s second major signing of the summer, following any pending midfielder or centre-back acquisitions. The move would also signal that the club are not merely reloading after Walker’s exit — they are evolving.

 

 

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🔥 Conclusion

 

Manchester City’s pursuit of Denzel Dumfries underscores their commitment to maintaining elite standards across the pitch. With Kyle Walker now officially a Burnley player, the need for a powerful, dynamic right-back is urgent — and Dumfries checks all the boxes.

 

Talks with Inter Milan have begun, and while there is still work to do, the mutual interest between club and player could make this one of the more impactful transfers of the summer. In Dumfries, Guardiola would gain a full-back capable of thriving in a variety of tactical systems, while the player himself would find a perfect platform to elevate his game to new heights.

 

Watch this space — Denzel Dumfries to Manchester City may just be the next major deal to rock the Premier League. 🗣️📣🔵