Denzel Dumfries rejected Premier League strugglers Everton for Serie A champions Inter Milan but, speaking to the Algemeen Dagblad, the Dutchman’s former team-mate admits he would have made a different decision.
The phrase ‘better late than never’ comes to mind.
After missing out on a whole host of right-backs during the summer transfer window, it seems that Rafa Benitez’s Toffees have finally, finally found a solution to their problem position.
Nathan Patterson, one of the most exciting young full-backs in British football, is closing in on a £10 million move to Goodison Park, one that will make him the most expensive export in the storied history of Glasgow Rangers.
Patterson’s arrival comes five months after Dumfries gave Everton the cold shoulder in favour of the San Siro. As we said, better late than never.
Was Denzel Dumfries right to reject Everton for Inter Milan?
Speaking in December, the former PSV Eindhoven captain admitted that he ‘had an offer’ from the Merseyside giants but opted for an Inter Milan side fresh from their first Scudetto triumph since the days of Diego Militto, Wesley Sneijder and Samuel Eto’o.
With Simone Inzaghi’s irrepressible Inter side sitting four points clear at the top of the table and well-placed to retain their crown, Dumfries’ decision appears to have been justified.
Especially as the boos rang out around Goodison Park once again on Sunday, a dismal home defeat to Brighton leaving the Toffees stuck in 15th place.
“He was special,” explains Daniel Esajas, Dumfries’ former team-mate at Dutch outfit Barendrecht, highlighting his ‘positivity’ and professionalism.
“We had a lot of contact in those weeks (during the summer transfer window). He could have gone to Everton at that moment. If I had been in his shoes, I would have gone to that club (Everton).
“But I understand his choice. To play for the Italian champions, to play in the Champions League; this is a dream.”
After a difficult first few weeks in Italy, Dumfries has hit his stride in recent weeks, scoring three times in his last four games from right-back.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
