Real Madrid preparing transfers of Konaté and Dumfries before 2026 World Cup. Real Madrid is in talks for Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries. The club aims to complete the deals before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Both players could strengthen the defense following the departure of key defenders.
Major changes are looming in the defense line at Real Madrid. According to Radio MARCA, the club's management is actively negotiating a transfer for Ibrahima Konaté, who recently refused to extend his contract with Liverpool. The parties have been in contact since February, and Madrid is now considered the favorite to sign the French defender. The deal is expected to receive approval from José Mourinho, who is set to take over the team after the elections.
Konaté is seen as the main candidate to replace David Alaba, whose spot at center back became available after a series of injuries and inconsistent performances by other defenders. The club is confident that this transfer will strengthen a problematic position, given Militão's physical issues and the unconvincing displays from Huijsen and the Austrian player.
At the same time, Real Madrid is looking for an experienced right-back amid Dani Carvajal’s upcoming departure, with his contract expiring on June 30. Denzel Dumfries from Inter is being considered as a replacement. The Italian club is ready to part ways with the 30-year-old Dutchman on favorable terms, making the deal appealing for Madrid. Dumfries could compete with Trent on the right flank of defense and strengthen the team immediately.
Both potential newcomers — Konaté and Dumfries — have been included in their national teams’ squads for the World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Real Madrid management is eager to finalize negotiations before the tournament begins to avoid a rise in player values and competition from other clubs. This strategy has already proven effective for other Spanish teams: for example, Casademont Zaragoza made quick staffing decisions at a crucial point in the season, a move analyzed in detail in the article about the club's fight for survival in the Endesa League.
For reference: Ibrahima Konaté was born in Paris in 1999, has played for Liverpool since 2021, and previously played for RB Leipzig. Denzel Dumfries is a native of Rotterdam and has played for Inter since 2021, previously representing PSV. Both players have experience in major international tournaments and are regarded as high-potential footballers for Europe’s top clubs. If negotiations are successful, Real Madrid will be able to swiftly cover key positions in defense and minimize risks ahead of the new season.
