One of Europe's Best Full-Backs Has a Surprisingly Cheap Release Clause

Denzel Dumfries, the Dutch full-back, has been a mainstay for Inter Milan ever since they bought him from PSV in 2020. This came after an impressive performance at Euro 2020, where Dumfries was one of the standouts for his country, despite an ultimately disappointing tournament for The Netherlands where they lost to the Czech Republic in the round of 16.

Dumfries scored in back to back games in the group stages, against Ukraine and Austria and announced himself as a right back who could progress up the flank, as well as hold his own defensively.

For the Netherlands in Euro 2020, he acted as a full-back, and at times could have considered himself to be a winger, due to how involved he was in the Dutch attacking play. At the tournament, he averaged 0.57 non-penalty goals and 1.14 successful take-ons per 90 minutes.

This caught the attention of Inter after the tournament, they purchased him for €15 million including bonuses in August, 2021.

He's been a key cog for Inter's attacking playstyle ever since then and was especially impressive in their Champions League campaign last season. They managed to reach the Champions League final but were battered by Paris Saint-Germain 5-0 in the final, but prior to that they were very impressive.

In the semi-final against Barcelona, Dumfries dictated both legs. In the first leg away at the Nou Camp, the Dutchman scored two goals as well as assisting Marcus Thuram in the first minute of the tie. In the second leg, Inter managed to get through by the skin of their teeth, winning 4-3 at home, and went through to the final 7-6 on aggregate. Dumfries also assisted two more goals in the second leg, totalling 5 goal contributions across the two-legged tie, a hugely impressive feat.

You may be thinking, after all these consistent years for Inter, that he would cost a bomb for a side to poach him from the Serie A. But, surprisingly, he only has a reported release clause of £21.6 million, a bargain for a player of his ability.

There is no solid reason to why that Dumfries has such a low release clause, but we can infer that Inter have inserted this in to make sure that they don't lose Dumfries on a free. This makes sense, as it seems that Inter and Dumfries have had difficulty organising a new deal.

Another catch with the release clause, is that it is only valid until mid July, according to Fabrizio Romano. We are now technically past that point, but there may be some leeway for clubs to negotiate a deal.

With that being said, why would clubs want to bring him in, and what clubs could he suit?

Denzel Dumfries Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Decent goalscorer despite his position, 17 goals in 127 appearances for Inter.
• Has an engine like a midfielder, he is able to get up and down the right flank very quickly.
• Strong as well as quick, 6ft 2in frame.
• Strong aerial threat with his height, able to be a threat from set-pieces.
• Good long passing ability, 59.2% long pass completion in the Serie A last season.

Weaknesses

• With his eagerness to get up and down the right flank, it can often leave the right-back position vulnerable.
• Although he can hold his own in certain defensive situations, in the Serie A last season he only had 0.87 tackles won per 90 minutes.

Which Clubs May Be a Good Fit For Dumfries?

Barcelona

Dumfries has seemingly caught the eye of Barcelona after his performance against them in last season's Champions League.

Barca's current right-back options include both Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia. Both of these are players are more traditional defenders, and can cover the centre-back positions.

If Barcelona decided to activate Dumfries' release clause it would provide them with a more versatile backline, and more options going forward. The Dutchman would be a good player to help them defend their La Liga title next season.

🚨 Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to sign Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries following the arrival of Marcus Rashford.

(Source: El Nacional) pic.twitter.com/eBBy0DFxKl

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 21, 2025

Manchester City

Dumfries has also been linked with a move to Manchester City.

City are currently going through a mini-rebuild under Pep Guardiola and an addition in the right-back position would be valuable.

City are quite light in the position at the moment, with their primary option currently being Rico Lewis, who is a good player but they could improve if their goal is to win the Premier League title next season.

Dumfries would suit Pep's team quite well, he would have the ability to bring the ball forward in their possession based shape and could add to their attacking ability.

If they were to activate the Dumfries release clause it would add to their already successful summer transfer window.

✍️ How Manchester City could line-up next season if they meet Denzel Dumfries' €25M release clause. 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/IhjSgthcTU

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 7, 2025

Conclusion

If any club decide to activate Denzel Dumfries' release clause this summer it would be a bargain signing. His attacking ability is unprecedented for a defender and has shown it for Inter for the last few years.

It'll be interesting to see if he ends up elsewhere this summer. Here at Football Park we will keep you updated on all the rumours associated with Dumfries.