Why Denzel Dumfries could be a smart and affordable signing for Barça?

The FC Barcelona board is confident of resolving Jules Koundé's renewal soon. The French international has had a breakout 2024/25 season with the team managed by Hansi Flick, shining as a right-back after two seasons of many ups and downs under Xavi Hernández. However, Deco and the Barça coaching staff are clear that the player from Paris is a natural center-back, and looking to the future, it is not unreasonable to think about another player for that position.

For now, Barça has Héctor Fort as the only alternative to Koundé on the right side, although both Ronald Araujo and Eric García can take on the position in emergencies. There are several alternatives that the club is considering for the upcoming summer market, although the priority is, after resolving pending renewals, to incorporate a left winger and, perhaps, a forward and a left-back.

If they decide to go for a quality replacement for Koundé, Denzel Dumfries undoubtedly has the ideal conditions to cover the Barça right side. The Dutch international has been undisputed at Inter Milan for the last few seasons, scoring 19 goals and providing 22 assists in 162 official matches. The Rotterdam native arrived in Milan in 2018 from PSV Eindhoven for 14.2 million euros.

Power, impact, and character: Dumfries' main attributes

Although Dumfries is primarily more of a midfielder than a defender, he has adapted seamlessly to the role of full-back/wing-back thanks to his speed and physical power. At 1.88 meters tall, the 28-year-old player takes advantage of the usual three-man backline of the 'nerazzurri' to position himself in the opponent's half, being a very effective player in aerial duels and one of those who recovers the most balls for Simone Inzaghi's side.

In the 2024/25 season, Denzel has started in 22 of the 35 matches played by Inter, totaling 2,055 minutes on the pitch. In the Champions League, he was only a substitute in the first matchday against Manchester City (0-0), although he also missed the match against Leverkusen due to a feverish condition. Despite playing far from the opponent's area, the Dutchman is the third top scorer for the 'nerazzurri' in Serie A, with 6 goals, behind Lautaro Martínez (9) and Marcus Thuram (13).

Should Barcelona go for another right-back this summer?

For Barça, the arrival of a player like Dumfries would undoubtedly add more explosiveness to the already devastating Barça attack. Lamine Yamal has understood Koundé wonderfully so far, but if the Frenchman were to get injured, Barça could face serious problems replacing him. Héctor Fort did well last season when he had to take on the left side, but he still lacks the necessary experience to assume the starting role.

Notably, so far in the 24/25 season, he has only accumulated 399 minutes spread over 13 appearances. The 18-year-old defender is under contract until 2026 and could leave the club in the summer, which would leave the Barça squad without a natural player for the position. On the left side, besides Balde, there is Gerard Martín, who has also failed to convince the coaching staff in the few opportunities he has had.

This is the contractual situation of Denzel Dumfries

In the case of Denzel Dumfries, Barça could try to sign him for a price close to 25-30 million euros, considering that his current value is around 20 million euros. Inter renewed his contract last year until June 2028, a factor that could complicate his departure, as Simone Inzaghi considers him a vital piece for his scheme. The 28-year-old player earns around 4 million euros net per year and has already participated in two European Championships (2020 and 2024) and one World Cup (2022) with his national team.

Player technical sheet