According to Prominent Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United are in discussions about a swap deal involving Aaron Wan-Bissaka and a “monster” player from Serie A.
Manchester United’s unsuccessful attempt to sign Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich has led the club to consider other right-back options.
One possibility is a swap deal with Inter Milan, involving Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Denzel Dumfries. David Ornstein reports that intermediaries have discussed this potential exchange.
Wan-Bissaka, who joined United for £50 million in 2019 after a breakthrough season at Crystal Palace, has had some strong performances.
However, his limited attacking abilities have prompted United to seek a more offensively capable defender. Dumfries fits this requirement well.
According to The Athletic, intermediaries have discussed a swap deal that would see Wan-Bissaka move to Lombardy and Dumfries come to Old Trafford.
United Could Swap Dumfries for Wan-Bissaka
The Dutchman would be an excellent addition for the club.
According to Ornstein via The Athletic, West Ham United is nearing a deal to sign Bayern defender Mazraoui, leading Manchester United to lose interest in the Moroccan.
United needs Wan-Bissaka to leave first, and he turned down a move to the London Stadium, preferring a switch to Inter, either for a fee this summer or as a free agent next summer, with just one year left on his contract.
This situation opens up the possibility of a swap deal, where Wan-Bissaka goes to Inter and current San Siro right-back Denzel Dumfries moves to Old Trafford.
Agents have discussed the deal, with the “monster” Dutchman previously linked with United, though any agreement is not yet advanced.
United have Diogo Dalot as their starting right-back, who was one of their standout players last season despite the team’s struggles, including their lowest-ever Premier League finish, a Champions League group stage exit, and an early Carabao Cup elimination by Newcastle United.
However, their FA Cup victory over Manchester City secures them European football, which can attract stars even without Champions League qualification. This might tempt Dumfries to make the switch, despite his Serie A triumph last season.
Dumfries Could Transform United’s Play
The right-back is among the best globally in offensive contributions.
Dumfries would be an excellent acquisition for United, boasting attacking skills that rank among the best for right-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.
According to Fbref, he is in the top 3% for goals scored and expected goals (xG), and in the top 6% for shots taken, compared to players in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 last season.
Dumfries also excels in passing, ranking in the top 9% of defenders with 0.23 assists per 90 minutes. His 3.95 touches per game in the opposition penalty box place him in the top 2%, and his 7.76 progressive passes per game put him in the top 6%.
While Dalot is a strong defender and likely better at winning duels, Dumfries would be the ideal right-back for advancing play and creating chances for United.
