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MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale Milano reacts as the team warms up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Inter are monitoring Atalanta winger Marco Palestra as a potential successor to Denzel Dumfries, with the Dutchman’s future set to be shaped by both his World Cup performances and a €25 million release clause that activates for just a month in July.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Dumfries has returned to his best form at a crucial moment, contributing decisive performances in both the Scudetto run-in and the Coppa Italia final victory over Lazio.
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The Dutchman was sidelined from mid-November to mid-February with a left ankle injury sustained against Lazio at San Siro, but has since re-established himself as one of the first names on Cristian Chivu’s teamsheet.
Palestra identified as Dumfries successor as Inter plan for title defence
Despite his importance to the side, Dumfries’s future is not entirely straightforward.
His contract runs until 2028 and Inter consider him a key asset, but the annual release clause, which Liverpool have been linked with activating, creates a window of uncertainty every summer. Last year no club made a concrete move despite widespread speculation surrounding a move to Barcelona.
Dumfries will head to the World Cup with the Netherlands, who face Japan, Sweden and Tunisia in the group stage and are favourites to advance from their group.
While he is in the United States, the transfer market will continue to revolve around him.
Should a departure materialise, Inter have identified Palestra, currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, as their primary target for the right flank. Luis Henrique is linked with an exit, while Matteo Darmian’s contract expires in June after nine trophies in six years. Palestra’s dynamism and versatility make him the natural candidate to eventually fill Dumfries’s role.
