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Manchester United target Denzel Dumfries appears to be drawing closer to an unexpected exit from Inter Milan after the Netherlands international appointed Jorge Mendes as his agent, according to a report from Italy.
Dumfries, 29, has emerged as one of the standout wing-backs in Europe for Inter since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in 2021.
The Best in Europe
Under Simone Inzaghi, who left the San Siro to join Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League this summer, Dumfries was transformed from an awkward fullback into a marauding wing-back on Inter’s right-hand side.
Last year, the Dutchman returned 11 goals and six assists in all competitions. The season prior he scored four times and provided another six assists. And the campaign before he produced two goals and seven assists.
But Dumfries has not sacrificed his defensive responsibilities to increase his attacking returns; rather, he maintains a perfect balance between both halves of the pitch, offering outstanding speed and stamina to present a potent threat in either direction.
Inzaghi’s set-up with I Nerazzurri – a 3-5-2 formation – differs from the 3-4-2-1 system Ruben Amorim has been trying to implement at Old Trafford over the past nine months since his appointment to replace Erik ten Hag in November.
But the importance of the two wing-backs is paramount for both managers – and explains why Dumfries has played such a significant role in Inter’s success over recent season. His performances against Barcelona in the semi-final of the Champions League last season were textbook examples of superb wing-back play as he propelled his side to victory.
It’s obvious, therefore, why United have been strongly linked with a move for Dumfries after it was revealed his contract at the San Siro contains a €30 million release clause.
But the clause is only active from July 1 to July 15, offering suitors a narrow window to strike a deal with the defender. It is not applicable to clubs in Italy either.
Moving Towards an Exit
According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dumfries has appointed Mendes – the Portuguese super agent – to represent him this summer.
Mendes is one of the most influential figures in world football with a host of connections at Europe’s biggest clubs, including United. The report states the appointment of an agent like Mendes is normally the “appetiser to a transfer move.”
The 59-year-old agent was crucial in United’s capture of Leny Yoro (LOSC Lille) and Manuel Ugarte (Paris-Saint Germain) last summer, in deals totalling in excess of £100 million for the Red Devils. He has played similarly important role in previous deals for players like Cristiano Ronaldo, David de Gea and Nani.
Evidently, if Mendes is involved in deciding a player’s future, the path towards Old Trafford becomes much clearer as a result.
Dumfries is a player United hold a long-standing interest in with multiple reports linking the Dutch defender with a move during Ten Hag’s tenure.
But now there is an even more obvious home for Dumfries under Amorim, in his ideal position in a similar system to the one he has thrived in in Italy.
And with a price of just £25.8 million, United could secure one of the most effective wing-backs in Europe to provide a major upgrade for Amorim’s right-hand side. They have an important ally on side towards helping the deal come to fruition as well.
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