Report: Man City push for UCL finalist after shock full-back sale | OneFootball

Inter talks reflect changing priorities at City

Manchester City’s transfer activity this summer has already been lively, but the latest development suggests a shifting focus at the Etihad. Following the unexpected sale of Kyle Walker to Burnley, City have reportedly “initiated talks” with Inter Milan over the signing of Denzel Dumfries, according to FootballTransfers via TeamTalk.

Dumfries, a key figure in Inter’s run to last season’s Champions League final, is now firmly in City’s sights. With a €25million (£21.5million) release clause valid until July 15, the Premier League champions are moving quickly to secure what they see as an excellent-value deal.

City are said to consider the transfer as “being too good to pass up”, especially given Dumfries’ goal involvement record last season. He was directly involved in 17 goals from right-back, with five of those contributions coming in the Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona.

There is also the player’s willingness to make the switch. “They are now exploring the willingness of the Dutchman to move to the Etihad,” reports TeamTalk. That sort of phrasing typically signals that early groundwork is already being laid in private.

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Walker departure opens unexpected door

The backdrop to Dumfries’ potential arrival is the unexpected exit of Kyle Walker. While the England international had been linked with several clubs over the past year, few would have predicted a move to newly-promoted Burnley.

The full-back, who was on a contract exceeding £150,000 per week, leaves behind a significant wage saving. “It’s believed City could make a saving of £10million in terms of the contract after selling Walker,” TeamTalk added.

What makes the move even more surprising is that Walker featured heavily in City’s success over the past few seasons. He was key during the treble-winning campaign and brought both speed and tactical maturity to Guardiola’s shape-shifting defensive line. His exit underlines how swiftly things can change at a top club when new targets become available.

Dumfries brings both output and upside

If City can finalise the signing before the 15 July clause deadline, Dumfries would represent a strategic purchase. While not as defensively conservative as Walker, the Dutchman offers a more modern profile. He thrives as a right-wing-back in attacking phases and can slot into a more traditional right-back role when required.

His 17 direct goal contributions last season speak volumes. City have often relied on midfielders and wingers for goals and assists, but having more productive defenders is increasingly necessary in elite-level systems. Dumfries’ Champions League semi-final performance, contributing in both legs against Barcelona, is particularly telling.

While his salary expectations are not confirmed, TeamTalk suggest, “It would not be a surprise to see Dumfries out-earn what Walker was making at the Etihad.” If City do indeed consider him the superior long-term option, that wage leap would be consistent with their squad investment model.

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Depth questions as Gonzalez seeks exit

Elsewhere, there are signs that not every squad member is comfortable with City’s ongoing transfer reshuffle. January signing Nico Gonzalez is reportedly unhappy with his role. With Rodri firmly entrenched and Tijjani Reijnders now in the mix, the Spaniard fears limited game time.

“After around six months at City, January signing Nico Gonzalez reportedly wants to leave the club,” TeamTalk note.

The decision may ultimately rest on whether City sanction another loan or allow a permanent transfer. However, with fixture congestion likely and Reijnders still unproven in the Premier League, the idea of letting Gonzalez go may be premature.

Additionally, City’s reported interest in Tino Livramento has hit a snag. Newcastle are holding firm on their valuation, with TeamTalk stating they “won’t let the right-back go for under £80million”. That makes Dumfries’ clause-based availability all the more compelling in terms of financial logic and squad planning.

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This report will come as both exciting and slightly unnerving for City fans. Kyle Walker’s departure to Burnley was a genuine shock. He may not have been first choice last season, but his experience, pace and big-match temperament were still valued. Letting him go without an immediate replacement already secured was a gamble. That said, if the club finalise Denzel Dumfries for £21.5million, fans will be much more at ease.

Dumfries offers athleticism, consistency and an attacking edge that fits well into Pep Guardiola’s ever-evolving tactical framework. His proven pedigree in Europe adds weight to the move. Those goal contributions in the Champions League semi-final are exactly the kind of moments that matter at this level.

Concerns about Livramento’s asking price have clearly pushed City in another direction. For a club with financial power, finding value in the market is still key. This deal feels like one of those moments where the board, coaching staff and analytics team are all aligned.

If City can get Dumfries through the door quickly, especially before the clause expires, it would signal the kind of efficiency that helped them dominate the past decade. Losing Walker hurts, but Dumfries could yet turn this moment into an upgrade.