During the summer transfer window, Manchester United held discussions about the possibility of signing Inter Milan’s full-back, Denzel Dumfries. Erik ten Hag was reportedly keen on bringing his fellow Dutchman to Old Trafford, with Dumfries having been linked to the club for quite some time. Despite the interest, the talks between the two parties were not serious enough to progress into a deal.
Dumfries, 28, has been a key player for Inter Milan since joining the Serie A giants in 2019. His current contract with the club runs until 2025, meaning that any interested suitors would need to act soon to secure his services. According to reports from transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, the summer discussions with United were preliminary, and the Manchester club eventually decided to pursue other options.
Instead of signing Dumfries, Manchester United opted for Moroccan full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who joined from Bayern Munich. The decision was seen as a practical move, especially considering that Dumfries remains an integral part of Inter Milan’s plans. The Italian club is reportedly preparing to offer the Dutch international a short-term contract extension, likely to be finalized before his current deal expires.
Inter Milan’s Plans for Dumfries
Inter Milan has no intention of parting ways with Dumfries, as the club views him as an essential figure both on and off the pitch. The 28-year-old is highly regarded in the dressing room, and his leadership qualities have made him a valuable asset to the squad. Moretto revealed that Inter Milan plans to renew Dumfries’ contract in 2025, although the new deal is expected to be shorter in duration—possibly for just one or two years rather than the typical four or five.
This decision reflects the club’s belief that Dumfries will remain a crucial player for the foreseeable future, despite potential interest from other clubs. The short-term extension offers flexibility, ensuring that both Dumfries and Inter can reassess their positions in the coming years. It also highlights Inter Milan’s desire to keep hold of one of their most popular players, with the Dutchman feeling settled and happy in Milan.
Why Manchester United Missed Out on Dumfries
Despite the conversations between Manchester United and Dumfries, the talks never reached a serious stage. According to Moretto, there was no formal agreement or advanced negotiations between the two parties. This may have been due to United’s decision to focus on Noussair Mazraoui, a player more suited to the club’s current needs and tactical approach.
Moreover, Dumfries’ happiness at Inter Milan played a role in the deal’s stagnation. The Dutch defender is content with his role at the Serie A club and enjoys a strong rapport with his teammates. His comfort and stability in Italy likely diminished the urgency for him to seek a move elsewhere, even if Manchester United had come knocking.
From United’s perspective, securing Mazraoui from Bayern Munich allowed them to fill the right-back position with a player who is versatile, experienced, and a better fit for Ten Hag’s plans. While Dumfries would have brought quality and experience to Old Trafford, Mazraoui’s arrival addressed the club’s needs without disrupting the dressing room dynamics too much.
What the Future Holds for Denzel Dumfries
As things stand, Dumfries looks set to remain at Inter Milan for the foreseeable future. His contract runs until 2025, and the club is eager to offer him a short-term extension to ensure his services beyond that date. With no serious interest from Manchester United or other clubs during the summer, it seems likely that Dumfries will continue to play a key role in Inter’s defense.
For Manchester United, the decision to move on from Dumfries may prove to be a blessing in disguise. While Dumfries is an excellent defender, Mazraoui’s versatility and technical skills make him a better fit for Ten Hag’s tactical vision. The Moroccan full-back will be expected to play a significant role for the Red Devils as they look to improve on their previous season.
In the ever-changing world of football transfers, things can shift quickly. However, for now, it appears that Denzel Dumfries is firmly rooted at Inter Milan, while Manchester United has found their solution in Mazraoui. Both clubs will be looking ahead, with their respective squads aiming for success on the domestic and European fronts.
