Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is the ‘main sponsor’ behind the club’s interest in signing Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries this summer, according to FC Inter News.
Dumfries has been constantly linked with a move to Old Trafford since Ten Hag took charge at the helm, and the speculation looks set to continue ahead of the next transfer window.
The defender’s current deal with the Nerazzurri expires at the end of next season and as things stand, there is a big negotiation gap between Inter and his agents over the salary package.
With the abolition of the Italian Growth Decree, the Serie A outfit won’t have any tax savings on a new contract for a foreign player. This has increased uncertainty over Dumfries’ future.
As per FC Inter News, Ten Hag is a big admirer of the Netherlands international and the ‘main sponsor’ for the signing. However, Villa have opted to ‘test the waters’ by contacting his camp.
Unai Emery’s side are exploring a summer deal for the versatile full-back much ‘to the joy’ of Inter. The Nerazzurri are hoping for an auction between the clubs to raise the price tag.
United’s interest in Dumfries could be agent-driven
The Red Devils have been much fancied to sign Dumfries over the past couple of years. It was claimed last year that Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be sold for the Dutchman’s arrival.
Nothing of that sort happened. Wan-Bissaka’s current deal expires in the summer of 2025. If he commits to a new long-term deal, United may not pursue a new right-back.
Otherwise, the club are likely to sanction his sale this summer. A replacement will be signed, but we don’t see United making an approach for Dumfries who will turn 28 in April.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to lower the average age of the squad and the club are more likely to focus on pursuing younger players with the potential to improve under Ten Hag.
In our opinion, the speculation linking Dumfries with a switch to Old Trafford could be agent-driven. United are being used as a negotiation tool to invite bids for the experienced ace.
Instead of pursuing the €30 million star, the Red Devils should prioritise a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, who has a release clause worth €40m in his contract.
Frimpong, who can play at right-back or right wing-back, has been in exemplary form with seven goals and 10 assists from 26 appearances for Leverkusen in the current season.
He is only 23 years of age and would be a solid upgrade on Diogo Dalot if he can replicate his form.