Real Madrid fear missing out on first-choice signing target

The transfer saga surrounding Alphonso Davies and Real Madrid is heating up. Bayern Munich are preparing one final push to convince the Canadian star to renew his contract, even as the LaLiga giants wait patiently for the January 1 date when formal negotiations can begin. While Madrid remain confident, the situation isn’t without its share of unease.

Real Madrid’s Davies deal almost done – but not quite

For months, Davies has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid on the terms of a long-term contract but no signatures can be exchanged until the new year due to FIFA regulations.

Bayern Munich, however, has no intention of surrendering quietly. The German powerhouse is signaling that it will make a final “effort” to keep Davies in Bavaria, creating an air of uncertainty around a deal that seemed all but locked in.

Madrid are exuding calm. The club has done its homework and believes Davies is firmly in their plans. Yet, as history has shown, surprises can happen. The clock is ticking toward January, and Madrid’s strategy now hinges on trust - trust that Davies will keep his word and follow through on their mutual understanding.

The money problem

At the heart of Bayern’s struggle to retain Davies is a financial impasse. The Canadian left-back initially requested a deal worth approximately $21 million annually, a figure that reportedly sparked outrage among Bayern executives. Their counteroffer of around $13 million fell short, leading to tension with Davies’ agent and leaving contract talks at a standstill over the summer.

Recent developments, however, suggest some thawing. Germany newspaper Bild reported Davies has softened his demands, now seeking $16 million per year along with a $16 million signing bonus. Bayern has crept closer, reportedly offering around $15 million annually. The gap has narrowed, but it’s still significant. If Davies ultimately chooses to stay with Bayern, it will likely come down to money.

Real Madrid’s Davies patience

Real Madrid has played the waiting game masterfully. The club resisted the urge to meet Bayern’s $53 million asking price during the summer transfer window, sticking to 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 sign him on a free transfer in 2025.

If the move goes through, Davies will likely step into a starring role as Madrid’s left-back for the next decade. At just 24, he is entering the prime of his career, and the opportunity to join Los Blancos represents a once-in-a-lifetime moment. While his agent, Nedal Huoseh, has kept options open publicly - mentioning potential interest from Manchester United and the possibility of renewing with Bayern - Madrid remains the frontrunner.

The road ahead for Real Madrid and Alphonso Davies

For now, the ball is in Davies’ court. Real Madrid has laid the groundwork, and all that’s left is to wait for the calendar to flip to January. Bayern, meanwhile, is doubling down on its charm offensive, reminding Davies of the deep affection he enjoys from Munich’s fans and the comfort of his current environment.

But the allure of Madrid is undeniable. The plan is for Davies to compete with Ferland Mendy (under contract until 2027) while Fran García could be moved to make space. Those details, however, are for summer discussions. The immediate focus is ensuring that Bayern’s efforts don’t derail the operation before it even begins.

As January approaches, the tension builds - a familiar feeling during the winter transfer window. Madrid is counting the days, trusting in the player’s word, and hoping that the final hurdle is cleared without incident. Until then, the whispers and speculation will continue to swirl, keeping fans on edge.

Original article written by Sergio López, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.

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