Real Madrid explored the market for a quality right-back immediately after Dani Carvajal’s departure from the club. Tottenham’s Pedro Porro was on the shortlist and Real Madrid even sent scouted some of his matches, but the club chose to sign Denzel Dumfries instead, according to a report published on AS.
It’s clear that Porro would’ve been significantly more expensive, with AS’ report suggesting that it would’ve taken at least €50 million to force Tottenham’s hand this summer. On the other hand, Real Madrid spent €20 million to trigger Dumfries’ release clause with Inter, so that move maybe made more sense if the club still thinks of Trent Alexander-Arnold as the starter.
Alexander-Arnold and Dumfries will enter this season competing for the starting job. José Mourinho has always valued defensive-minded fullbacks, so it will be interesting to see who ends up earning that role.