Real Madrid close to signing Dumfries, leaving Alexander-Arnold facing fresh competition

Real Madrid are on the verge of signing Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan, a move that would end Trent Alexander-Arnold’s anticipated status as the club’s sole first-choice right-back for the 2025-26 season. The Netherlands international is reported to have a release clause of around £17 million, which Madrid intend to trigger once the club’s presidential election concludes this weekend.

Alexander-Arnold, 27, joined Madrid last summer on a free transfer from Liverpool and rotated with club captain Dani Carvajal before establishing himself as a regular starter. With Carvajal set to leave when his contract expires, the former Liverpool academy graduate had been expected to take sole ownership of the right-back berth. The arrival of Dumfries, 30, would change that calculation significantly.

The Athletic reports that Dumfries is Madrid’s top priority in the position, with personal terms not expected to be a sticking point. Multiple outlets suggest a deal has already been agreed in principle as of Tuesday night. The formal announcement, however, is contingent on the outcome of the presidential vote, with incumbent Florentino Perez — seeking an eighth term — widely expected to defeat challenger Enrique Riquelme. Both the Dumfries deal and the reported return of José Mourinho as head coach are understood to hinge on Perez retaining the presidency.

Alexander-Arnold endured a stop-start debut season in Spain, making 30 appearances across all competitions while dealing with two significant injuries. In an Instagram post at the end of the campaign, he acknowledged the difficulties of his first year. “It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment, but I feel completely at home now,” he wrote. “I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season.”

Dumfries, who has spent his entire club career in Italy and the Netherlands, would face his own adaptation period — something Alexander-Arnold will likely be counting on as he looks to hold his ground in a more competitive squad dynamic next season.