Things could get from bad to worse for Trent Alexander-Arnold after England manager Thomas Tuchel left him out of the England squad, with a report revealing that Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan.
Alexander-Arnold has had a disappointing spell at Madrid so far, following his move from Liverpool in the summer of 2025.
The right-back has had hamstring and thigh injuries for Real Madrid this season, with the former Liverpool star’s performances for Los Blancos when fit and available also not very impressive.
Alexander-Arnold is the number one right-back at Madrid, but that has still not helped him earn a place in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup finals this summer.
It could now get tricky for the former Liverpool right-back at Madrid, with a report claiming that incoming Los Blancos manager Jose Mourinho would like the Spanish and European giants to sign Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan in the summer of 2026.
Dani Cervajal will leave Madrid this summer, and Los Blancos are on the hunt for a replacement right-back.
According to Defensa Central, Mourinho likes Dumfries and would like Madrid to sign the 30-year-old Netherlands international, who has a release clause of €25million (£21.6m, $29m) in his contract at Inter.
Mourinho is set to become the new Madrid manager at the end of the season.
The Portuguese is in charge of Benfica at the moment, but a deal is in place for the former Manchester United and Chelsea manager to return to Estadio Bernabeu for a second spell in charge.
The Real Madrid-leaning Spanish news outlet has reported; ‘The name of Dumfries, a footballer who plays for Inter Milan, has gained traction within the club, especially because Jose Mourinho likes him.
‘The Dutchman is already 30 years old and could bring veteran leadership and experience to Real Madrid’s defence.
‘Florentino Pérez has great faith in the project that the manager from Setubal has prepared.
‘It’s not his first time at the club, and he already demonstrated a keen eye for talent during his first spell at the Bernabeu.
‘The arrival of Luka Modric, for example, is a clear indication of this.’
DON’T MISS: Man City and Haaland reach same decision on HUGE sale to Real Madrid or Barcelona after Guardiola quits – Exclusive
Denzel Dumfries a real threat to Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid
Dumfries is one of the best right-backs in the world, and his modest release clause available for the month of July could be very tempting for Madrid.
The Netherlands international is at the top of his game at the moment and would be a genuine threat to Alexander-Arnold for a place in the starting line-up at Madrid.
The 30-year-old has won Serie A twice and the Coppa Italia thrice with Inter.
Dumfries has also reached the final of the Champions League with Inter twice – in 2023 and 2025.
Madrid signed Alexander-Arnold last summer with the view that the former Liverpool star would become the first-choice right-back at the club for years to come.
However, reported interest in Dumfries means that Alexander-Arnold is far from guaranteed that status under Mourinho.
Alexander-Arnold, though, will be slightly relieved to know that there is interest in Dumfries from his former club, Liverpool.
TEAMtalk’s transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, has reported that Dumfries’s agents are pushing for a move to Liverpool.
*Want more breaking news and transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk **as a preferred source on Google*to your favourites list for news you can trust.