Liverpool could be lining up a surprise exchange deal that would see Curtis Jones involved as the Reds push to secure the signing of Denzel Dumfries.
Liverpool could be presented with a surprise opening in the transfer market — one that might help Arne Slot tackle a growing issue that’s beginning to threaten the Reds’ season.
Reports from Fabrizio Romano claim Inter Milan are in direct negotiations to sign Curtis Jones, with the midfielder identified as their preferred replacement for Davide Frattesi, who is edging closer to a move to Nottingham Forest. Talks are said to be centred around a loan deal with an option to buy, but the situation could unlock a much bigger opportunity for Liverpool.
Italian reports, later relayed by The Mirror, suggest the Reds have already made enquiries about Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries. With Inter keen to add a technically gifted midfielder and Liverpool urgently short of options at right-back, the possibility of a swap-style agreement could be explored before Monday’s deadline.
Slot confirmed on Friday that Jeremie Frimpong will be sidelined for several weeks with a muscle injury, adding to the blow of Conor Bradley’s season-ending absence. With no senior right-backs currently available, a move for Dumfries suddenly looks logical.
The Netherlands international — long linked with Manchester United — offers Champions League experience, tactical flexibility, and the physical qualities suited to the Premier League. A loan move could provide a vital short-term solution to protect Liverpool’s top-four push.
Letting go of a homegrown player like Jones during the season would undoubtedly hurt, but it may be a compromise Liverpool are forced to consider. The midfielder has found minutes hard to come by under Slot, sitting behind Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Florian Wirtz in the pecking order.
With midfield depth relatively secure and defensive resources stretched to breaking point, Liverpool may have little choice but to prioritise fixing their defensive problems.
There is, however, a potential snag: Dumfries is currently dealing with a minor injury and isn’t expected to return until late February. Even so, the Reds may view this as an opportunity too significant to pass up, especially with their top-four ambitions hanging in the balance.