Everton were keen on signing Denzel Dumfries last summer, but he turned down a chance to move to the Merseyside club and joined Inter Milan instead.
The Serie A winners were looking for a new right-back after selling Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain. The Nerazzurri identified the 25-year-old as one of their targets, and he was also wanted by the Toffees.
Last month, the Netherlands international told Votebal International that he ‘did not think twice’ when rejecting Rafael Benítez’s side to join Inter.
Daniël Esajas, the defender’s ‘best friend’ has given an interview to Algemeen Dagblad, during which Dumfries’ ‘top transfer’ was one of the topics discussed.
Esajas’ comments are relayed by FcInter1908.it, who explain the duo were together at BVV Barendrecht and have developed a ‘close friendship’ since then.
On their special bond, the 28-year-old said: “He was special, I hit his positivity and his energy. It’s great these days, when there are so many distractions lurking. When he came to eat at our house once, we made some chips. He didn’t take sauce and said ‘it hurts’. I really couldn’t understand it, but it says it all about his determination.”
Having known each other for several years, Esajas revealed he was aware of the approach made by Everton in the last window.
When discussing Dumfries’ move to the San Siro, he said: “We had a lot of contacts in those weeks. He could also go to Everton at that moment.
“Inter was a real possibility, but first they had to sell players. If I had been in his shoes, I would have gone to Everton. But I understand his choice. To play football with the Italian champions, to play in the Champions League. This is a dream.”
