PSV Eindhoven right-back Denzil Dumfries was quietly going about his business in Netherlands Eredivisie for the past couple of seasons. Cue EURO 2020, and Dumfries was a right back for the national side in the group stages. As the group stages progressed, he scored two and assisted in three to have a hand in all five goals for the Dutch, which saw them progress to the last 16 knockout stages.
Holland eliminated in the last 16
Unfortunately, in their match versus the Czech Republic, a moment of madness from star center-back Matthijs de Ligt robbed the Netherlands of any further progression in the tournament. However, Dumfries performances put him firmly in the spotlight of clubs across the globe, and two of the frontrunners for his signature are Italy’s Inter Milan and Englands’ Everton FC.
Everton vs Inter
In the days leading up to the start of EURO 2020, the Merseyside outfit, now managed by Rafa Benitez, seemed to be in pole position for his signature. However, as the tournament progressed and more eyes were focussed on him, Inter Milan was reported to be rivalling Everton for his signature. To add fuel to the fire, according to Holland’s Algemeen Dagblad, PSV’s manager Roger Schmidt has confirmed that he does not expect Dumfries to return to training for pre-season. He added that he knows that Dumfries wants to play abroad this season and will only return if no deal can be struck for his services.
Long term successor at right-back
Everton have been searching for a long-term right-back successor for their aging Seamus Coleman in the summer transfer window. Dumfries’ contributions to the Dutch squad have not gone unnoticed, and this will also allow PSV to increase their fee for the six-foot-two right back.
Increase in transfer fee could scupper Inter
This increase in his fee could, however, benefit Everton more than Inter Milan. Well-known and respected soccer journalists report that rumours emanating from Italy are that Inter might not be able to afford the increased fee and could be requesting a loan deal from PSV with an option to buy next season. Despite gate receipts being affected by Covid 19 last season, this could place Everton in pole position as a straight cash transfer would be more affordable for them.
They are also in the position to offer Dumfries a path straight into the first team, as Coleman was a weak link in their defence last season. Many assists which led to goals for the opposition were from Everton’s right-hand side. Everton will need to purchase a player that will assist in that happening less often, and Dumfries could be the one.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
