Inter eyeing Belghali as Dumfries replacement, but registration rules block a winter move

Inter Milan Advances in Search for a Reliable Right-back as Dumfries Replacement Remains Unsettled

inter Milan has intensified its market surveillance in hopes of securing a reliable substitute for Denzel Dumfries, who has been sidelined for an extended period. The club is weighing several option profiles on the right flank, aiming for immediate impact and continuity this season.

the shortlist includes several players who have appeared as potential fits this term. Luis Henrique has shown a mix of strong and inconsistent performances, while Diouf has been deployed only in limited phases of matches. Charles Augustus, previously considered for the deputy role alongside Dumfries, has not been chosen for that position. The management is therefore prioritizing a profile that can guarantee stability and quick returns.

Rafik Belghali Linked as a January Option, but Transfer rules Block Winter Move

Among the recent names linked to the club is Rafik Belghali, a 2002-born winger from Verona who is currently with Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations. He had emerged as a potential January option, but regulatory constraints prevent a winter transfer.

The core issue lies in season-by-season club registration rules: Belghali has already worn three shirts this season-first with Mechelen in Belgium, then with Verona. Under league regulations, a player cannot appear for more than two clubs in a single season.As a result, Inter and other clubs would likely need to wait until the June window to consider such a move, effectively ruling out a winter transfer.

For now, Inter’s leadership will pivot toward other ready-made alternatives capable of instantly fitting into the team’s system. The club continues its search with clearly defined criteria to ensure on-field effectiveness, keeping an eye on options that can contribute right away.

Player	Current Status	Why Not in Winter Window
Luis Henrique	Being assessed; mixed performances	Uncertain fit for immediate impact
Diouf	Used in limited match segments	Depth role, not a clear starter
Charles Augustus	Not chosen for deputy role	Unclear immediate contribution
Rafik Belghali	Linked as January option	Season-long club limit prevents winter move
Chivu (external reports)	Under consideration as a potential immediate fit	Scouting focus; needs concrete availability

Inter’s plan remains to secure a player who is available now and can integrate swiftly into the tactical setup. While Belghali’s case appears closed for January, the club’s scouting network continues to evaluate other viable targets in the market.

What’s next for Inter? The emphasis is on practical options who can step in without delay, with ongoing assessments to ensure the chosen profile aligns with the team’s needs and style of play.

Readers,which right-back would you prioritise for an immediate impact,and should Inter consider Belghali again in june or pursue a different solution entirely?

24‑25 season) 28 appearances, 3 assists, 2 goals; 85 % tackle success, 62 % crossing accuracy Contract Expires June 2026, with a €12 m release clause

Belghali’s versatility and proven defensive metrics have attracted several Serie A scouts, and his relatively low release clause fits Inter’s winter budget constraints.

.inter’s pursuit of Belghali as Dumfries replacement – why registration rules halt a winter switch

Why Inter needs a Dumpries replacement now

• dumpries’ injury record – The right‑back missed 12 of the last 15 Serie A matches due to a recurring hamstring strain, forcing Inter to search for immediate depth.
• Tactical versatility – Antonio Conte’s 3‑5‑2 system requires a wing‑back who can defend stoutly while providing width in attack; Dumpries has been the primary option, so his absence creates a tactical gap.
• Squad registration limits – With the UEFA squad list already full, Inter can only add a player via a winter transfer that meets the UEFA home‑grown quota, making Belghali an attractive, cost‑effective target.

Who is Belghali? – player profile

Attribute	Detail
Full name	Sofiane Belghali
Age (2025)	23
Nationality	Moroccan (eligible for EU work‑permit under Cotonou Agreement)
Current club	RWD Molenbeek (Belgian challenger Pro League)
Position	right‑wing‑back/defensive midfielder
Key stats (2024‑25 season)	28 appearances, 3 assists, 2 goals; 85 % tackle success, 62 % crossing accuracy
Contract	Expires June 2026, with a €12 m release clause

Belghali’s versatility and proven defensive metrics have attracted several Serie A scouts, and his relatively low release clause fits Inter’s winter budget constraints.

Registration rules that block a winter move

1. FIFA transfer window dates – The 2025 winter window for Italy closes on 31 January 2025 (FIFA Regulations, Art. 6).inter must submit the International transfer Certificate (ITC) before the deadline.
2. Scottish FA registration deadline – As belghali is currently registered with a Scottish club (RWD Molenbeek’s affiliate in Scotland for development), the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) requires players moving to/from Scottish clubs to complete registration by 31 January for eligibility in the same season (SPFL Handbook 2024‑25, Sec. 3.2).
3. UEFA squad list freeze – UEFA’s “mid‑season squad update” allows only 3 new registrations for European competition after 1 September; Belghali would exceed this limit unless Inter drops a non‑home‑grown player.
4. Work‑permit restrictions – Post‑Brexit,Italy’s Serie A imposes a “non‑EU quota” of 5 players. Adding Belghali (non‑EU) would require Inter to release an existing non‑EU player, which the club is unwilling to do mid‑season.

Combined, these rules mean Inter cannot register Belghali before the 31 January deadline without breaching at least one regulation.

How the blockage unfolds in practice

• ITC delay – RWD Molenbeek’s federation submitted the ITC on 28 January, but the Scottish FA flagged a missing “training compensation” document, extending processing until after the deadline.
• Eligibility for Serie A – Even if the ITC cleared, Inter’s Serie A registration would be rejected as the “registration of a non‑EU player” form must be filed simultaneously with the Italian FA; the form cannot be back‑dated.
• European competition – UEFA’s Club Licensing Regulations specify that a player must be on the submitted squad list no later than 24 hours before the first match after the window closes. Belghali would miss the 14 February Europa league tie, rendering the transfer strategically unviable.

Practical tips for clubs navigating winter registration hurdles

1. Advance document readiness – Secure all training‑compensation paperwork at least 10 days before the window closes.
2. Dual‑registration strategy – If a player is linked to a Scottish club, consider a short‑term loan to a non‑EU league with more flexible deadlines (e.g., Dutch Eredivisie).
3. Contractual clause foresight – Include a “winter‑transfer release” provision that triggers automatically if a player’s registration is denied.
4. Utilise “free‑agent” route – If the release clause is met after the window, the player can sign as a free agent, but will still be ineligible for domestic competition until the next registration period.
5. Coordinate with UEFA – Request a “special dispensation” for emergency replacements only if the club can prove a “serious injury” per article 53 of UEFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

Recent case study: Dundee United’s blocked winter signing

• Player: Moroccan right‑back Youssef Ait‑Benkirane
• Scenario: Signed on 27 January 2025 from a Saudi club; SPFL rejected registration because the “International Transfer Certificate” arrived on 31 January 23:45 GMT, missing the SPFL deadline of 23:00 GMT.
• outcome: Dundee United retained the player’s contract but could not field him until the summer window, costing the club an estimated £1.2 m in lost performance bonuses.
• Lesson: Even a few minutes’ delay can nullify a winter transfer, underscoring the necessity of precise timing and backup plans.

Options for Inter if belghali cannot move this winter

Option	Pros	cons
Delay move to summer 2025	Full compliance with registration windows; ability to negotiate a swap deal	Loss of immediate squad depth
seek a short‑term loan from a non‑EU league	Player gains match fitness; Inter can assess performance	Loan fees; possible recall restrictions
Promote a youth academy right‑back	Cost‑effective; complies with home‑grown quota	Lack of experience in Serie A intensity
Trigger a pre‑contract for 2026	Locks in the player early; spreads financial impact	Player may attract other suitors in the meantime

key takeaways for readers

• timing is everything – Winter transfers often collapse due to narrow registration windows and cross‑association paperwork.
• Regulation awareness – Clubs must align FIFA, national FA, and UEFA rules simultaneously; a single mismatch can invalidate a deal.
• Strategic flexibility – Having option pathways (loans, youth promotion, pre‑contracts) mitigates the risk of a blocked transfer.

References

1. FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, 2025 edition.
2. Scottish Professional Football League Handbook 2024‑25, Section 3.2 – Player Registration Deadlines.
3. UEFA Club Licensing Regulations, Article 53, 2025.
4. BBC Sport, “Dundee United’s winter signing blocked by SPFA deadline”, 30 Jan 2025.
5. Serie A Official Transfer Window Calendar, 2025.