Image Credits: Imago Images
Real Madrid have been the undisputed kings of the summer transfer market so far, and they are showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Under the freshly appointed Jose Mourinho, Los Blancos have been ruthless in exploiting the free agent market.
Ibrahima Konate arrived on a free transfer after walking out of Liverpool at the end of his contract, a deal that stung Reds fans still raw from the Trent Alexander-Arnold departure 12 months prior.
Bernardo Silva followed shortly after, another free signing from Manchester City.
Add in Denzel Dumfries, snapped up from Inter Milan for a bargain €20m by simply triggering his release clause and Marc Cucurella from Chelsea for around £52m, and Madrid have assembled serious depth.
But it seems that Liverpool made a last-ditch effort sign the Dutchman, who was a target back in January.
Speaking on the Born ‘N Red YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool made a late bid to see if they could sign Denzel Dumfries, but by then the Dutchman had already decided on his move to Real Madrid:
“When Denzel Dumfries went to Real Madrid, Liverpool made a late call to understand the situation. Whether it was possible to enter the race, to discuss terms, but the player wanted to go to Spain.”
“Dumfries was already a target in the January window.”
The Italian transfer guru also explained that Liverpool will likely do business in the right-back position – but only after their winger ranks have been finalized:
“I expect Liverpool to explore something in terms of right-back.”
“It’s something they already started discussing with Arne Slot when he was still at the club, now there is Iraola so the strategy could be different… but still considering right-backs,” Romano explained.
“I think in that area, we could expect something later in the window. It’s about priorities. Now the winger position is the absolute priority for Liverpool, and then after they found out how much they will spend on the winger position – it’s about right-backs and midfielders.”
With winger recruitment taking clear priority under Arne Slot’s successor Iraola, the club are expected to circle back to the full-back market once that spend is confirmed.