Real Madrid signs top Serie A right-back at a 'bargain' price

Denzel Dumfries is on the verge of moving to the Spanish powerhouse, having secured a personal deal with Real Madrid.

According to several reputable European sources, the Madrid-based club is expected to activate the Dutch defender's contract release clause as early as next week to finalize the transfer.

In fact, earlier reports indicated that Dumfries prioritized a move to Real Madrid over any other destination, including Liverpool and other top clubs pursuing him. Since the 29-year-old's contract with Inter Milan contains a clear release clause, the two clubs barely need to negotiate. The only issue to resolve was the personal terms between the player and his new team.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that negotiations were completed on the evening of June 2. Representatives of Dumfries and Real Madrid have reached full consensus, paving the way for the deal to be announced in the very near future.

Initially, many sources suggested Dumfries' release clause was worth 25 million euros. However, Sportitalia disclosed last year that the clause has a time-based mechanism. Specifically, from July 1, the fee is only 20 million euros and increases gradually each day, reaching a maximum of 30 million euros by July 15. By acting early, Real Madrid only needs to pay 20 million euros to secure Inter Milan's top right-back.

This remains a profitable deal for Inter. The Milan-based club spent 14.75 million euros to bring Dumfries from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2021. After four successful seasons in Serie A, the Dutch international has helped the club generate a significant profit.

According to the plan, Real Madrid could officially announce the new signing right after the club's presidential election next Sunday. Meanwhile, Inter Milan will begin searching for a replacement. The black-and-blue striped side's top target is reportedly Atalanta's Marco Palestra, with a price tag of around 50 million euros.

Sources from Fabrizio Romano, Matteo Moretto, and Spanish media unanimously confirm that Dumfries will be Real Madrid's first signing in this summer's transfer window. He is seen as a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal on the right flank.

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Dumfries will likely compete directly for a starting spot with Trent Alexander-Arnold. With his strong physical foundation, powerful attacking support, and highly rated defensive mindset, the Dutch defender is expected to bring greater balance to Real Madrid's tactical system in top-level matches.

Considering all aspects, spending only around 20-25 million euros for an experienced defender who has competed at the highest level with Inter Milan for many years is seen as a very valuable deal. Dumfries not only brings professional quality but also possesses the composure and match experience to make an immediate impact at Real Madrid.