Denzel Dumfries is set to join Real Madrid, and Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez believes the move suits both club and player. Madrid are close to signing one of Europe’s most attack-minded full-backs, with Dumfries bringing strong international and club experience from Inter and the Netherlands into a team that already relies heavily on dynamic wide defenders.
Dumfries is currently with the Netherlands at the World Cup and continues to influence matches in the final third. The 30-year-old produced two assists in the Oranje’s 5-1 victory over Sweden on Saturday, taking the tally for the national team to 31 goal involvements, with 11 goals and 20 assists, alongside five goal contributions from seven World Cup appearances.
Martinez, who serves as
Inter’s back-up goalkeeper, expects Dumfries to adapt quickly in Spain and praised Madrid’s decision. "I think it’s a great signing for Real Madrid. I think it’s a fantastic choice, although I’m sorry he’s leaving us because he’s a tremendous player, the kind you always want on your team," Martinez told Marca, stressing both quality and character.
Martinez underlined how Dumfries’ style could influence Madrid’s right flank. "He gives his all on the pitch and will bring a real boost to Real Madrid on the right wing, not only because of his power, speed, and attacking runs, but also because of his experience and leadership, as he was one of the team’s leaders at Inter. Real Madrid have made the right decision, and I wish him all the best, except when he plays against us, if that ever happens. "
Asked to define what Dumfries adds at this level, Martinez pointed to the defender’s mentality and readiness. "Presence, energy, and experience. He’s ready to perform at the highest level from the first minute. " Dumfries has mainly operated as a wing-back at Inter, and while some observers question defensive positioning, Martinez is confident such concerns will not limit impact in LaLiga.
Martinez highlighted Dumfries’ ability to shift across tactical systems and adapt to Real Madrid’s demands under Jose Mourinho. "He’s performed phenomenally well with that system in recent years, and I think it’s ideal for him because of his constant runs down the wing, but I don’t think it will be a problem for him to perform in a back four because he’s an intelligent, versatile player who knows how to adapt to different situations," Martinez said. "I’m sure [Jose] Mourinho already knows what his role will be, and he’ll play it perfectly. He’s already proven it, both in Italy and in Europe. Last season we reached the Champions League final, eliminating teams like Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and his defensive performance against top-level wingers was extraordinary. It’s true that his main strength is attacking, but he’s good defensively and usually wins a lot of duels. What he’s been asked to do lately, primarily, is push forward, but if he has to drop back a bit, he’ll do that brilliantly too. "
Dumfries’ numbers at Inter underline why Madrid view the Netherlands international as a valuable addition on the right side. Across 207 appearances for the Italian club, Dumfries has scored 27 goals, registered 22 assists and created 153 chances. During this period, Dumfries has also lifted two Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia trophies, while playing major roles in the Champions League runs.
Inter reached the Champions League final in both 2023 and 2025, with Dumfries a regular presence in those campaigns and facing leading European wingers. Those experiences, combined with consistent attacking output for club and country, support Martinez’s belief that Dumfries can deliver immediately for Real Madrid while offering proven leadership, work rate and flexibility on the right flank.
