Will Alphonso Davies join Real Madrid this summer? How much would he cost?

Real Madrid may well have to move for transfer target Alphonso Davies a year earlier than intended, after an apparent U-turn in Bayern Munich’s stance on the left-back’s future.

Bayern now out to get transfer fee for Davies

Madrid’s plan has been to snap Davies on a free transfer in summer 2025, when the left-back’s contract at Bayern is due to expire. In recent days, however, Bayern chiefs have let it be known in the German media that, with Davies stalling on signing a new deal in Bavaria, the Bundesliga club would rather sell him now than allow him to leave for free in 12 months’ time.

This is a significant shift in the strategy that Bayern have been following in recent months. The club’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, declared in June that Davies would remain at the Allianz Arena next season even if he didn’t renew. And at the same time, Bayern have been working furiously to try to persuade the 23-year-old to reconsider his reluctance to extend his terms.

But having failed to tempt Davies even with the offer of €14 million ($15.3 million) a year, Bayern have finally opted for a sale this summer - the Canada international is now in the shop window. This is likely to force Madrid to move this summer, with several other clubs also expected to come in with bids for the player.

It is understood that Davies’ heart has been set on a free transfer to the Bernabéu next year; however, FIFA rules have so far prevented Madrid from agreeing a pre-contract with him, as this cannot happen until he is in the final six months of his existing deal. Now, with Bayern inviting bids for the left-back this off season, Los Blancos are aware of the risk that Davies could have his head turned by another suitor.

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How much would Davies cost this summer?

Nonetheless, Madrid remain in a very strong position to secure Davies’ signature. Bayern have placed a €50 million asking price on the five-time Bundesliga winner, but it is thought that a summer deal could be done for closer to €30 million. Even if he only has a year left on his Bayern contract, such a fee would remain a very low price to pay for a player of Davies’ talent and youth.

And, despite Bayern’s eagerness to sell him now, it remains possible that Davies could decide to hold out for that free transfer to Madrid in 2025, even though there are suggestions that the Germans could threaten to bench him next season if he neither leaves nor renews this year.

Madrid open contract negotiations with Mendy

Meanwhile, Madrid have begun talks over a new deal with current left-back Ferland Mendy, who is also out of contract in a year’s time. Mendy, 28, is Los Merengues’ first choice under head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who admires the Frenchman’s defensive abilities and has gradually improved the player’s attacking output.

For Madrid, Mendy’s contract renewal is not dependent on what happens with Davies. If the club does end up with both players in their squad, it is Fran García - the present understudy at left-back - who would be offloaded to make room for the new signing.