Ben Jacobs reveals Liverpool’s plans for Denzel Dumfries amid right-back crisis
Ben Jacobs has dismissed speculation about Liverpool’s interest in Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries following Jeremie Frimpong’s recent injury.
While reports from Italy suggest the Reds have made contact with the Nerazzurri, it appears that Anfield officials may not proceed with a deal for the Dutch defender as the January transfer window enters its final hours.
Rumors have gained momentum after Liverpool’s defense reached critical mass, but Jacobs’ latest update suggests the club are looking elsewhere, or perhaps nowhere, ahead of Monday’s deadline.
Ben Jacobs updates on Denzel Dumfries in Liverpool
Taking to social media to clarify the situation, Ben Jacobs was quick to pour cold water on the growing rumor that Dumfries could be the solution to Liverpool’s problem on the right.
“He was told there was nothing in the January connection with Liverpool and Denzel Dumfries,” Jacobs wrote in X.
He was told there was nothing in the January link with Liverpool and Denzel Dumfries.? pic.twitter.com/f7ZjW9efBh
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 30, 2026
The sacking comes despite high-profile claims by Italian journalists, including Gianluca Di Marzio, who suggested Liverpool had reached out to Inter to gauge the availability of the 29-year-old.
Inter Milan’s interest in Curtis Jones has fueled speculation, with suggestions Liverpool could strike a swap deal that could see Dumfries come to Anfield.
That said, Dumfries is currently sidelined with fitness issues and is unlikely to return to action until late February/March, making him an unlikely option for Liverpool to pursue as an emergency January signing.
Liverpool’s problem at right back
The urgency to strengthen the defense at Anfield is real, despite Dumfries denying it.
Arne Slot is currently navigating a nightmare situation on the right side following a series of unfortunate setbacks.
Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the 2026 season following a serious knee injury against Arsenal.
Jeremie Frimpong, who was signed in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen, limped off just minutes into midweek’s 6-0 win over Qarabag. While Slot confirmed that the injury is “not as bad as feared,” he will still miss several weeks.
| The player | Injury |
|---|---|
| Conor Bradley | Knee Injury |
| Giovanni Leoni | Knee Injury |
| Jeremy Frimpong | Thigh Injury |
| Joe Gomez | Hip Injury |
List of injured Liverpool defenders
Joe Gomez, a full-back who can play right back, is also currently out with a hip problem, although he is expected to return sooner than others.
With no suitable defenders available for the upcoming game against Newcastle, Slot may be forced to play midfielders like Wataru Endo or Dominik Szoboszlai in a back four.
While the club remain vigilant about market opportunities, Jacobs’ update indicates that fans should not expect Dumfries to be the first to arrive at the AXA Training Center this winter.
