Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Real Madrid have ended weeks of speculation over their right-back position by signing Netherlands international Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan, choosing proven pedigree over one of the FIFA World Cup’s biggest breakout stories.
The Spanish giants confirmed on Sunday that Dumfries has joined on a four-year deal after activating the Dutch defender’s reported €20 million release clause, making him Real Madrid’s latest defensive reinforcement ahead of the new season.
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NO DREAM MOVE FOR CAPE VERDE STAR
The move comes just days after Cape Verde midfielder Sidny Lopez Cabral revealed that Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho had personally reached out to him during the World Cup, sparking speculation that the tournament surprise package could emerge as a transfer target.
Sidny has been one of the revelations of the competition. The 23-year-old announced himself on football’s biggest stage with a stunning curling strike against defending champions Argentina in the Round of 32, helping push Lionel Messi’s side into extra time before Cape Verde eventually fell 3-2.
Earlier in the tournament, the versatile defender-midfielder had also impressed against Spain and Uruguay, performances that earned praise from Mourinho.
“Mourinho sent me a message after Spain and Uruguay: ‘Bravo! Keep going, believe in yourself,'” Sidny had revealed after Cape Verde’s World Cup campaign.
The youngster also spoke warmly about his former coach, describing Mourinho as “the most honest person” he had worked with.
Given Real Madrid’s search for defensive reinforcements, Sidny’s ability to operate as a left-back, right-back or wing-back had fuelled suggestions that the Spanish club could take a closer look at him once the tournament ended.
Instead, Madrid have opted for experience.
DUMFRIES ARRIVES AT REAL MADRID
Dumfries arrives after five successful seasons at Inter Milan, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most dependable attacking full-backs. Since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2021, the Dutch international made 207 appearances, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists while helping Inter win two Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia trophies.
The 30-year-old also played an important role as Inter completed the domestic double last season, convincing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez that he was the right player to strengthen a defence that struggled throughout the 2025-26 campaign.
Madrid had made reinforcing the backline one of their biggest priorities after missing out on both the La Liga title and the Champions League, with Perez promising significant defensive additions during his re-election campaign.
Dumfries becomes the club’s fourth signing of the transfer window after Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate.
For Sidny, however, the World Cup may still have changed everything.
Cape Verde’s remarkable run and the defender’s performances against some of football’s biggest nations have significantly raised his profile across Europe. Mourinho’s public backing only added to the intrigue, but Real Madrid have chosen the safer, proven option – at least for now.
The World Cup has often launched careers into football’s elite. While Dumfries is heading to the Santiago Bernabeu, Sidny’s displays have ensured he may not have to wait long before another European heavyweight comes calling.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
