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Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their efforts to sign Inter right back Denzel Dumfries, aiming to secure the deal before the 2026 World Cup gets underway.
The 15-time European champions are in desperate need of squad reinforcements after going two consecutive seasons without a major trophy. As was the case last summer, Los Blancos' primary focus remains on defensive additions, particularly following the departures of Dani Carvajal and David Alaba from the Bernabéu.
Recent reports suggest a verbal agreement is already in place for former Liverpool center back Ibrahima Konaté, and Real Madrid are now turning their attention to Dumfries.
According to The Athletic, the club considers the 30-year-old their "top target" to address the right back position, an area that has been a persistent problem over the past two seasons. Personal terms are not anticipated to be a stumbling block, and Dumfries would serve as backup to Trent Alexander-Arnold — a role the Spanish giants are keen to fill without exceeding a $34.9 million (€30 million) budget.
Dumfries, whose Inter contract includes a $29.1 million (€20 million) release clause, fits the bill and would provide Real Madrid with a seasoned deputy right back to cover the void left by Carvajal.
The Potential Dealbreaker in Dumfries's Real Madrid Transfer
Everything appears to be aligning for Dumfries to make the move to the Spanish capital ahead of next season, yet one factor could derail the transfer entirely: Real Madrid's upcoming presidential elections.
Both the Konaté and Dumfries deals are contingent on Florentino Pérez being re-elected. The Athletic reports that the club intends to "conclude the deal" for Dumfries once Sunday's vote concludes, "so long as Pérez is declared the winner."
The 79-year-old is widely expected to defeat rival candidate Enrique Riquelme, which would effectively clear the path for Dumfries's arrival. The fullback enjoyed a strong finish to the campaign at Inter after missing more than two months following ankle surgery.
Dumfries is anticipated to feature prominently at this summer's World Cup for the Netherlands, forming a key part of Ronald Koeman's solid defensive unit.
What's Next for Real Madrid After Dumfries, Konaté Deals?
Should everything go to plan and Real Madrid complete the signings of both Dumfries and Konaté, the club will likely shift its focus toward midfield reinforcements. Los Blancos are eager to bring in a deep-lying playmaker and have been connected with Manchester City's Rodri and Chelsea's Enzo Fernández.
Any move for either player would likely be delayed until after the World Cup, given the scale of such transfers. Rodri will feature for Spain in North America this summer, while Fernández returns to defending champions Argentina.
In the interim, Los Blancos could move to activate the buy-back clause on former Real Madrid Castilla product Nico Paz, available for just $10.5 million (€9 million) via the option embedded in his Como contract. The 21-year-old, who is also set to represent La Albiceleste at the 2026 World Cup, was named Serie A's best midfielder of 2025–26 following a remarkable season that helped Como secure Champions League qualification.