Expert: Man City boosted in pursuit of 'unbelievable' star
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Callum O'Connell
Thu 11 September 2025 9:24, UK
Man City have been boosted in their pursuit of Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries after he opened the door to a January transfer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 29-year-old is one of the options on Pep Guardiola‘s radar to improve at right-back.
Dumfries had a £21.5million release clause active during the transfer window, but it had to be triggered by the middle of July which saw City miss out.
His performances for Inter and the Netherlands national team mean clubs across Europe are aware of his talent, with his potential availability driving up interest.
Liverpool were also linked with signing Dumfries in the summer, but opted to pursue Jeremie Frimpong instead, eventually meaning he remained in Italy.
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Brown told Football Insider on 8 September that Guardiola wants to sign a new right-back with their interest in Newcastle star Tino Livramento growing.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Guardiola will speak to his scouts to decide the best option to pursue in the mid-season window.
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“Dumfries is somebody who is on their radar,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s the Dutch international full-back, so they’ll know all about him, it’s not as if he’s a player going under the radar who they could pick up.
“City will know what he can do and what he would bring to the team, so if the manager and the scouts agree he’s the right target, they’ll make a move.
“He’s been clear about wanting to play in the Premier League, so that’s opened the door for them.
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“I think there are a lot of questions about this Man City side, especially at the back, and it’s something they’re going to want to address when they can.
“They’ve been playing Nunes at right-back even though it’s not his natural position.
“Obviously Rico Lewis can play there as well, but they don’t see him as the answer to the problem.
“Right-back is a position they really want to strengthen in, so there are a few targets on their radar and Dumfries could be one they make a move for if they decide he’s the right man for the job.”
With a number of options believed to be on Guardiola’s radar, a move is not certain, but his desire to play Premier League football has piqued City’s interest.
City’s links with a move for Dumfries have come as no surprise, after he recently confessed his desire to test himself in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is a fantastic competition,” he revealed via the Mirror, “I’m happy at Inter, but I think I could also do very well in England.
If there were a professional opportunity, I would certainly be interested.”
After his role in reaching last season’s Champions League final, despite their eventual heavy defeat to PSG, there is no shortage of interest in the move.
The defender’s comments have put a number of English clubs on alert, with City taking note as they aim to further their initial interest from the summer.
Man United are also believed to be interested in Dumfries, who Gary Neville dubbed “incredible” after his Champions League performances last season.