Liverpool’s bid to sign Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries is under serious threat, with Real Madrid emerging as favorites to sign the Dutch international this summer.
The Reds have been tracking the dynamic defender since the January window as part of a long-term plan to strengthen their defense on the right flank, but the move in Spain has dramatically changed the transfer landscape.
Real Madrid close to signing Denzel Dumfries
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, advanced negotiations are currently underway between Real Madrid and the player’s agent, with the right-back reportedly favoring a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Romano also revealed important financial details. Dumfries have a release clause worth €20 million, lower than previously reported figures, making them a very attractive market opportunity.
Further reporting from Sky Germany journalists Florian Plettenberg Dumfries’ personal terms with Real Madrid are already close to being finalized, suggesting that only formal approval from the Spanish club hierarchy remains.
While Liverpool are still actively monitoring the Inter defender, who is still under contract in Italy until 2028, the player is openly waiting for Madrid to complete the paperwork, leaving us firmly on the back foot.
Activation of this clause would allow Madrid to complete the most cost-effective signing of a defensive player this summer.
| club | app | the goal | assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Milan | 207 | 27 | 28 |
| PSV Eindhoven | 124 | 16 | 20 |
| sparta rotterdam | 72 | 2 | 5 |
| SC Heerenveen | 37 | 4 | 8 |
| Sparta U21 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Barentrecht U19 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Sparta U19 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| total | 459 | 49 | 61 |
Denzel Dumfries Career Statistics (via Transfermarkt)
Liverpool’s right-back position remains problematic
Liverpool have long identified Dumfries as a priority target due to continuing structural issues in the right-back position.
The club invested heavily in Jeremy Frimpong last summer to add momentum and pace to the attack, but his debut season was interrupted by fitness issues and instability.
Additionally, academy product Conor Bradley has also been plagued by injuries, leaving Liverpool lacking reliable options in this position.
As a result, midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai were forced to play a defensive role.
Big season ahead for Jeremy Frimpong
Dumfries’ contract with Inter Milan runs until 2028, but the existence of a €20 million release clause creates a rare opportunity in the transfer market.
Real Madrid are accelerating negotiations and the player is moving closer to a move to Spain.
And while Liverpool may have been interested in the Dutchman, the deal is made a bit complicated by the fact that they only signed Jeremy Frimpong last season for the role.
Frimpong showed his outstanding ability during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, but was unable to replicate that in his debut season at Anfield.
However, he was not the only player to underperform under Arne Slott’s passive tactics. So it will be interesting to see if the next manager, perhaps Andoni Iraola, can unleash that ability next season.
