Amateur Club Overjoyed by Former Pupil Denzel Dumfries' Dream Transfer: 'We Are Incredibly Proud'

It became clear on Sunday that Florentino Pérez will remain Real Madrid's president for the foreseeable future. This development seemingly paves the way for the official announcement of Denzel Dumfries' transfer. He is set to move from Inter to Los Blancos for twenty million euros. Ahead of the World Cup, the Dutch international received a touching tribute from the club where his journey began.

Dumfries started his football career at vv Smitshoek in Barendrecht. The club certainly hasn't forgotten his roots, sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram. "From Smitshoek to the Santiago Bernabéu," the football club began. "For eight years, he played on our fields as a youth player, dreaming of the highest level and taking his first steps in football at vv Smitshoek."

"Today, Denzel Dumfries makes the move to Real Madrid," continued the club, immensely proud of their former protégé. "A wonderful milestone in an impressive career and an inspiration for all the youth players who train and play with us every week. Dreams start somewhere. For Denzel, it started here, at vv Smitshoek."

Dumfries serves as a great role model for every young footballer at the club. "We are incredibly proud of what he has achieved and wish him great success in Madrid!" The 30-year-old right-back's story is also highly inspiring. At eighteen, he was still playing amateur football at Barendrecht before making the switch to Sparta. Within twelve years, he has progressed from amateur ranks to the absolute world elite. Dumfries himself clearly appreciated the message. "Thank you very much," he commented in response.

At the upcoming World Cup, all eyes will once again be on Dumfries. In the past two major tournaments, the defender has already become one of the most crucial players for the Dutch national team. As a result, national coach Ronald Koeman appears to have partly tailored his tactics around him. To date, Dumfries has played 72 international matches for Oranje, scoring eleven goals.