Inter attempt to stop Liverpool triggering Denzel Dumfries €25m clause

Liverpool’s interest in Denzel Dumfries has not gone unnoticed in Milan. Inter are now moving to protect one of their most reliable players as speculation grows around a potential €25m move to Anfield.

The Dutch wing-back has been linked with Liverpool for several months, with reports in Italy suggesting the Premier League club see the Inter defender as an attractive option in the summer market. His current release clause, believed to be around €25m, has particularly caught attention.

However, Inter appear determined to prevent that scenario from developing.

According to Italian outlet L’Interista, Inter Milan are preparing to offer Dumfries a new contract that would extend his deal until 2029. The move would also remove the release clause currently attached to his existing agreement.

The 29-year-old is under contract with the Serie A club until 2028 and reportedly earns around €4m per season. A new deal could raise that figure closer to €5m annually, reflecting his growing importance within the squad.

Inter’s leadership believe Dumfries has become extremely difficult to replace, particularly after another strong performance in the club’s recent 1-1 draw with Atalanta. As a result, the club are eager to secure greater control over his future and prevent any cut-price departure.

Removing the clause would make it significantly harder for clubs like Liverpool to pursue a straightforward transfer.

Liverpool have monitored Dumfries previously. During the winter transfer window, the club reportedly made contact regarding the defender while he was recovering from injury.

At the time, Inter CEO Beppe Marotta acknowledged that enquiries had been made. The Dutch international was viewed as a possible short-term option while Jeremie Frimpong was sidelined, although that situation quickly changed once Frimpong returned to fitness.

More recently, Italian reports have suggested Liverpool could revive their interest during the upcoming summer transfer window.

For Premier League clubs, the €25m clause has been viewed as relatively affordable for a player with significant Champions League and international experience.

From the last few weeks of Inter’s campaign, Dumfries has continued to play a consistent role under the current system, contributing both defensively and in forward transitions.

That reliability is one of the main reasons the club are now pushing to renegotiate his contract. By removing the release clause, Inter would avoid the risk of losing a regular starter for a relatively modest fee.

However, it remains unclear whether Dumfries will agree to the proposed terms or if interest from England could still influence negotiations.

Inter are expected to begin discussions with Dumfries’ representatives in the coming months as they attempt to secure a new agreement before the summer transfer window opens.

If the contract extension is finalised and the release clause removed, Liverpool or any other interested clubs would need to negotiate directly with Inter over a potential transfer fee. Much will depend on how those negotiations progress and whether the player himself is open to a move.