Real Madrid have reportedly agreed to sign Denzel Dumfries as direct competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Netherlands international is said to have a release clause as low as £17million, which they would trigger to complete the deal.
Alexander-Arnold, 27, was due to become the only right-back at the club this summer, with Madrid confirming that Dani Carvajal will leave when his contract expires. The Liverpool academy graduate rotated with Madrid’s captain after signing last summer, before becoming a regular starter.
Dumfries signing would now see Alexander-Arnold up against it again. The 30-year-old is assumedly not signing to become a backup.
The Athletic report that Madrid have made Dumfries their top target in the right-back position. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue and the deal will be concluded and announced once Florentino Perez wins the club’s presidential election this weekend, which he is likely to do.
Other outlets are reporting Madrid have already agreed a deal with Dumfries, as of Tuesday night. As with the signing of Ibrahima Konate, it depends on the outcome of this weekend’s elections.
Both are only due to join the Spanish side if Perez remains as their president for an eighth term. Should the candidate standing against him, Enrique Riquelme, be elected in what would be a shock outcome, then it remains to be seen whether either deal goes through. Jose Mourinho’s return to the club coach also hinges on who wins the vote.
Alexander-Arnold, therefore, could yet get a reprieve. However, the chances of Riquelme overthrowing Perez, who has spent all but three years of this century presiding over Madrid. appear slim.
The 27-year-old will thus have to hope that Dumfries takes some time to settle in Spain, having never previously played outside of Italy and the Netherlands. Alexander-Arnold acknowledged that it took him a while to adjust in an Instagram post he shared after the end of his debut season.
View 2 ImagesDenzel Dumfries is expected to sign for Real Madrid(Image: Getty Images)
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Its caption reads: “Madridistas, you have welcomed me with open arms. From the first day I arrived, you have had my back.
“It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment, but I feel completely at home now. I will take a good break and put the work in over the summer. I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season!”
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He will also hope for an injury-free second season with the club after sustaining two significant setbacks in his first. Alexander-Arnold played 30 times across all competitions, which could explain why Madrid are so keen to sign another player in his position.
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