Real Madrid are actively pursuing deals to sign Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, under the assumption that Florentino Pérez will win their upcoming club presidential election.
Konate, 27, will leave Liverpool as a free agent when the centre-back’s contract expires on June 30.
Meanwhile, Madrid have made Inter Milan’s Dumfries their top target to strengthen the right-back and have held talks with the 30-year-old, who has a €20 million (£21.6m; $29.1m) release clause. Sources briefed on the deal, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss details, say personal terms for Dumfries are not expected to be an issue.
Another source said Madrid planned to complete a deal for Dumfries after the results of Sunday’s presidential election, as long as Perez is declared the expected winner.
Incoming head coach Jose Mourinho has focused on strengthening the defence, with Madrid targeting a centre-back even before talks began with the Portuguese. Mourinho is already aware of the deals that are in the works before his arrival.
Perez, 79, is being fielded as a rival for the Madrid presidency for the first time since 2004. Enrique Riquelme, a 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur, is standing against Perez in the election on June 7, in which about 100,000 members of the Madrid club are eligible to vote.
While the election campaign continues, Madrid’s outgoing president is also leading the appointment of the club’s next manager. athletic It was reported last Friday that Mourinho had already signed a three-year contract to return for a second term, following his 2010–2013 stint.
The delay in plans to appoint Mourinho – related to Perez’s decision to call elections – means the 63-year-old’s move to Benfica could cost the club €15 million.
Mourinho is expected to return as Madrid head coach (Philippe Amorim/AFP via Getty Images)
Madrid’s discussions with Mourinho and his representatives included plans to strengthen various positions this summer with a particular focus on defence. In those talks, Mourinho sought a backup right-back, a left-back to compete with 23-year-old Álvaro Carreras, a dominant centre-back, and a creative midfielder.
Madrid had previously considered a move for Konate, however, after telling Liverpool late last year that they were no longer interested in signing the Frenchman. The La Liga club have rekindled their interest as they look to sign a centre-back, with David Alaba leaving on a free transfer this summer and Eder Militao continuing to have fitness issues.
Konate had long been in talks with Liverpool over a new deal, with discussions ongoing until October 2024. He told reporters in April that he was “close” to a deal, however, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement, leading to Liverpool confirming his departure before he joined the France squad for the World Cup.
With 34-year-old captain Dani Carvajal set to depart when his contract expires at the end of June, Madrid will be left with Trent Alexander-Arnold as the only senior recognized right-back. The club’s desired profile for a new arrival in this position is a second-choice option available for around €30 million.
Other players being considered by Madrid include 26-year-old Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur and 21-year-old Ivan Fresneda of Sporting CP.
There is no indication that Spurs are prepared to sell Spain international Porro for a fee in line with Madrid’s budget. The situation is similar with Fresneda, who is under contract until 2028, has a release clause of €80m and is considered an important player in Portugal.
Dumfries, who is under contract at Inter until 2028 and will be part of Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands World Cup squad, joined the Italian side from Dutch club PSV in 2018.
Additional reporting: James Horncastle