News Focus
- Inter Milan scout Atalanta’s Marco Palestra as cover for Denzel Dumfries
- Liverpool target Dumfries ahead of July release clause activation
- Dutch defender returns to form ahead of World Cup duty
- €25m exit clause creates summer transfer uncertainty
- Palestra impresses on loan at Cagliari with versatility
Inter Milan are tracking Atalanta winger Marco Palestra as a possible replacement for Denzel Dumfries. The Serie A champions fear they could lose the Dutch defender this summer.
Liverpool have shown strong interest in Dumfries. The Premier League side could trigger his €25 million release clause when it becomes active for just one month in July.
Dumfries has recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out for three months. He has played a key role in Inter’s title chase and their Coppa Italia victory over Lazio. Manager Cristian Chivu now considers him vital to the team.
However, the player’s contract situation remains complicated. He signed an extension until 2028, but the annual release clause creates uncertainty each summer. Barcelona showed interest last year, but no firm bid arrived.
The Netherlands international will compete at the World Cup in the United States. His national team face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage. Transfer speculation will continue throughout the tournament.
Should Liverpool meet the clause, Inter plan to move for Palestra. The young winger currently plays for Cagliari on loan from Atalanta. He offers energy and flexibility on the right flank.
Inter also face other changes to their defence. Luis Henrique may depart, while veteran Matteo Darmian leaves when his contract expires in June. Darmian won nine trophies during six years at the San Siro.
Palestra represents the future for Inter’s right side. His loan spell in Sardinia has impressed scouts. The club view him as the ideal long-term successor to Dumfries.