‘Would have preferred to see him at Barcelona’: Koeman comments on Dumfries to Real Madrid | OneFootball

While Real Madrid have yet to make the transfer official, Denzel Dumfries is set to become a Madrid player next season.

The Dutch right-back’s move from Inter Milan appears to be fully agreed, with only the formal announcement still pending.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who announced the signing of Ibrahima Konate earlier this week, is expected to confirm the deal for Dumfries soon.

Ronald Koeman speaks out

The news has been welcomed by Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, although not without a touch of regret.

Koeman would have liked to see Dumfries join Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The former Barcelona coach admitted he would rather have seen his compatriot end up at Camp Nou instead of the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I don’t know if the transfer is completely finalized, but if anyone deserves it, it’s him. That said, I would have preferred to see him play for FC Barcelona,” said the 63-year-old national team coach.

Koeman delivered the remark with a smile, making clear his admiration for Dumfries while also revealing a lingering affection for his former club.

€25 million for Dumfries

Dumfries has already completed his medical examinations with Real Madrid, who are understood to have activated the €25 million release clause in his contract.

Coming to Madrid. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The 30-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable attacking full-backs and has been a key figure for Inter Milan and the Netherlands national team.

If the transfer is officially confirmed in the coming days, Dumfries will become another experienced addition to Real Madrid’s squad after Konate as they continue strengthening ahead of the new season.