Madrid thought their move for Alphonso Davies was a done deal, but Bayern Munich have not yet given up on the Canadian.
The transfer saga surrounding Alphonso Davies and Real Madrid is heating up. Bayern Munich are preparing a last-ditch effort to convince the Canadian star to extend his contract, as the LaLiga giants patiently wait for the January 1 date for formal negotiations to begin. Although Madrid remains confident, the situation is not without some unrest.
Real Madrid's Davies deal is almost done, but not quite yet
Davies has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid over the terms of a long-term contract for months, but due to FIFA rules no signatures can be exchanged until the New Year.
However, Bayern Munich does not intend to surrender quietly. The German powerhouse has indicated it will make a final 'effort' to keep Davies in Bavaria, creating an air of uncertainty around a deal that appeared all but deadlocked.
Madrid radiates tranquility. The club has done its homework and is confident that Davies is firmly behind their plans. But as history has shown, surprises can occur. The clock is ticking towards January and Madrid's strategy now depends on trust – trust that Davies will keep his word and honor their mutual understanding.
The money problem
At the heart of Bayern's battle to keep Davies is a financial impasse. The Canadian left back initially asked for a deal worth around US$21 million per year, a figure that reportedly sparked outrage among Bayern executives. Their counter-offer of approximately $13 million fell short, leading to tensions with Davies' agent and stalling contract talks over the summer.
However, recent developments indicate some thaw. German newspaper Bild reported that Davies has softened his demands and is now demanding $16 million a year, along with a $16 million signing bonus. Bayern has moved closer, reportedly offering around $15 million annually. The gap has narrowed, but is still significant. If Davies ultimately chooses to stay at Bayern, it will likely come down to money.
Davies patience from Real Madrid
Real Madrid have played the waiting game masterfully. The club resisted the urge to meet Bayern's asking price of $53 million during the summer transfer window and stuck with a lower valuation of $32 million. By doing so, Madrid ensured Davies would enter the final year of his contract, giving them a clear path to signing him on a free transfer in 2025.
If the transfer goes through, Davies is likely to play a starring role as Madrid's left-back for the next decade. At just 24 years old, he is entering the prime of his career, and the opportunity to join Los Blancos is a unique moment. While his agent, Nedal Huoseh, has publicly kept options open – citing potential interest from Manchester United and the possibility of an extension at Bayern – Madrid remain the frontrunners.
The road for Real Madrid and Alphonso Davies
For now, the ball is in Davies' court. Real Madrid have laid the foundation and all that remains is to wait for the calendar to shift to January. Bayern, meanwhile, is doubling down on its charm offensive, reminding Davies of the deep affection he enjoys from Munich fans and the comfort of his current surroundings.
But the appeal of Madrid is undeniable. The plan is for Davies to compete with Ferland Mendy (under contract until 2027), while Fran GarcÃa could be moved to make room. However, these details are for summer discussions. The immediate focus is to ensure that Bayern's efforts do not derail the operation before it has even begun.
As January approaches, the excitement increases – a familiar feeling during the winter transfer window. Madrid is counting the days, trusting the player's word and hoping the final hurdle is cleared without incident. Until then, the whispers and speculation will continue to swirl, keeping fans on edge.