Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace star
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
After missing out on Rodri, Real Madrid remain on the hunt for a central midfielder who can add more stability to the club’s second line of press.
There are increasing question marks over the long-term pedigree of both Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, who has already been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are constantly looking out for options and one of them was Crystal Palace superstar Adam Wharton.
Wharton set to stay
But in a major blow for Real Madrid, it appears Wharton is set to continue at Crystal Palace this summer despite immense speculation over his future.
Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace star
Wharton training ahead of Palace’s league opener against Everton. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
As reported by SPORT, Palace manager Pierre Sage has recently confirmed Wharton is set to stay at the Selhurst Park this season.
Although Sage did not specifically say Wharton is guaranteed to stay, he did hint that he is not going anywhere this summer, stating, “I don’t think now is the time to do that,” after being whether or not he has the potential to move to a big club.
This is a blow for Real Madrid, who had been monitoring the Englishman for a long time. They were keen on a move as well, though Palace’s hefty valuation always held them back.
What are the other options?
With Wharton likely to stay at Crystal Palace, Real Madrid’s options are running out this summer.
Adam Wharton, Crystal Palace star
Palace looks set to continue at Palace for another season. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
This is even more so considering the fact that another target Martin Zubimendi is also not available this summer, with Real Madrid themselves not too keen either due to the player’s high valuation.
That leaves Los Blancos with Kees Smit as the one possible alternative, should the club grow desperate and decide to sign a midfielder at any cost.
Smit is available at a lower price and has shown the potential to become a top player at a club like Real Madrid. But whether or not he is ready for such a big move at this point of his career remains to be seen.
Dumfries highlights the quality of the Real Madrid locker room: ‘Everyone’s at the highest level’
Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid
Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images
Real Madrid continued to present their summer signings this week in low-key ceremonies with only club president Florentino Perez, honorary president Pirri, and the players’ families attending the events.
After manager Jose Mourinho, the Merengues have presented three of their six new signings, with Denzel Dumfries being the latest one, having taken part in the official ceremony on Friday.
Dumfries proud to be a Real Madrid player
Dumfries spoke to Real Madrid TV after his official welcome as a Real Madrid player. The Dutch defender expressed his excitement at joining the club, saying:
“I’m very proud to be here. I’m very grateful and eager to start the season. I’m very happy to be here.”
He added: “I think playing for Real Madrid is a dream for everyone. Being here is a huge responsibility. We have our objectives, and I’m very happy and proud to be here. I’m ready to start.”
Talking about the club’s historic 15 Champions League trophies, the Dutch right-back noted:
“It’s an incredible feeling to see the Champions League trophies in person. It’s amazing. It makes me even prouder to be here and gives me even more desire to win.
“It’s incredible to be here with the president and see the trophies. Now the goal is to win more.”
Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid
Dumfries has a contract until 2030. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Explaining what it meant for him to sign for Real Madrid, he added: “It’s a huge dream. I’m very happy and proud. When I was younger, I used to write things on my wall so I could see them every day and visualize the goal.
“I don’t know if I wrote about Real Madrid because it’s something so big, but I’m very proud of the career I’ve had and I’m very happy to be here.”
The Netherlands international was also effusive in praise of president Perez, saying: “It means a lot. He’s history. Everyone knows him and knows what he’s done for the club.
“I’m very proud to stand alongside him, shake his hand and be a Real Madrid player during his time at the club. It’s a great honor for me and my family. The goal is to make him proud.”
On the dressing room and his style
Dumfries joins a Real Madrid team filled with top players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Thibaut Courtois, among others, while a world champion in Marc Cucurella has also signed this summer.
Highlighting the immense quality in the dressing room, the 30-year-old defender said: “I already knew some of the players because we’ve played against each other, but being here is incredible.
“Being in the dressing room with so many great players, with such a good coach and this coaching staff, is incredible. Everything is at the highest level. Our goal is to maintain that top level and win more trophies.”
Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid
Eager to succeed at the club. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
Describing his style of play and what he brings to the table, Dumfries stated: “I’m a player who’s always hungry. I always want to win and fight. I’m a player who brings energy to the team.
“I’m a defender; I like to defend strongly so that the attacking players can shine. People can expect me to give everything in every match to achieve our objectives.”
The right-back also shared his excitement about playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, as he said:
“I played there once with Inter. The atmosphere, the fans and the huge stadium were already impressive. Now wearing the Real Madrid shirt is incredible. I’m very grateful, and it makes me really eager to get started.”
Discussing tonight’s La Liga opener against RCD Espanyol, Dumfries remarked: “It’s a very important match, as the first match always is, and of course we want to win.
“I’m happy to be able to make my LaLiga debut. I’m looking forward to the match and to starting this new journey with everyone. Let’s go.”
Concluding, Dumfries had a message for the fans, as he said: “I’m very happy to be here. Hala Madrid !”