Real Madrid News
Here we go – French defender set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer
Real Madrid have done a superb job of accelerating their operations in the transfer market this summer, despite the prospect of the upcoming presidential elections.
The Spanish giants have been primarily chasing two defenders in Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. Both have been signed, according to Fabrizio Romano and it was reported last night that Dumfries was going to arrive in Madrid to complete his medical.
Romano has already given his customary ‘here we go’ for the Dumfries deal.
Ibrahima Konate – here we go
Now, Romano has given his ‘here we go’ for the Konate deal as well, confirming that the French defender will indeed sign for Real Madrid heading into the next season.
The former RB Leipzig defender has signed a four-year contract with Los Blancos, same as Dumfries. Both players are expected to join the Madrid camp soon.
Romano adds that Konate and Dumfries’ move will be made by official only after the presidential election, where Florentino Perez will be taking on Enrique Riquelme.
Perez, though, is the undisputed favourite and has already ratified these two signings.
How will Konate and Dumfries fit into Real Madrid?
Konate and Dumfries are not absolute world class talents who can become the X-factor overnight. But they are gritty players who will add valuable depth to Real Madrid’s defensive unit.
Konate can add some much-needed competition for the centre-backs Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao.
Meanwhile, Dumfries is likely to operate as the main left-back for Real Madrid next season, as new coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly not too impressed with Alvaro Carreras.
For Real Madrid, it is a net win as the club will be able to announce both deals before the World Cup – something the team wanted desperately.
After it was confirmed that FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo would miss Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid, another player from Hansi Flick’s side is now considered a major doubt for the game.
Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barça defender Jules Kounde is facing a race against time to be fit for the first Clasico of the 2026/27 season.
Kounde recovering from an ankle injury
Kounde suffered an ankle injury during Barcelona’s previous La Liga game against Real Betis last Saturday away at Estadio de La Cartuja.
The 27-year-old versatile defender was able to complete the match but was seen limping after it was over, and tests on Sunday confirmed a ligament sprain in his ankle.
As a result, the French international was ruled out of Barça’s UEFA Champions League clash against PSG, which they lost 4-2 on Tuesday night.
But, there had been hope that the defender could recover in time for Real Madrid’s visit to the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night.
However, now, as per the report, there is great pessimism within the Barcelona coaching and medical staff that Kounde will be able to return in time to face Jose Mourinho’s side.
Mounting problems for Barcelona open door for Real Madrid
As mentioned earlier, Dani Olmo has already been ruled out of Sunday’s game as he suffered an adductor tear during Barcelona’s game against PSG yesterday.
Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is also unavailable due to an injury he sustained against Real Betis over the weekend, while Andreas Christensen and Roony Bardghji will also miss the game.
Now, Kounde, too, appears to be a major doubt for the first Clasico of the season, adding to the problems for Hansi Flick & co.
It is now up to Real Madrid to capitalise on their opponents’ problems and collect all three points at Camp Nou, in a bid to close down the gap at the top of the table to only three points.
Before that though, the focus will be on tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu.
