Real Madrid are gearing up for a big summer transfer window ahead as the club continues to stay loyal to the ideology of perennially pursuing excellence.
While Kylian Mbappe’s arrival is taken for granted, Real Madrid are not turning a blind eye to the defensive department.
And the name of Alphonso Davies has been widely echoed in the Madrid newspapers. With Bayern Munich and the Canadian left-back failing to find common ground over a contract renewal, an exit cannot be ruled out.
In light of the escalating likelihood of his summer transfer to Real Madrid, we take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of this potential transfer.
Pros
1. World-class option at bargain price
Indeed, given Davies’ contract expires in 2025, Bayern Munich will look to sell him this summer before running the risk of losing him as a free agent.
As such, Real Madrid can secure the services of the Champions League winner at a significantly discounted rate compared to his true market value.
Reports previously argued that the Bavarians are demanding €50 million. Still, the Merengues believe they can wrap up a deal by offering €30 million at most, especially since they were in a similar situation when they signed Toni Kroos in 2014.
With the context surrounding Davies’ contractual situation, Bayern doesn’t have a great deal of leeway and may be obliged to comply with Madrid’s offer.
Moreover, it is worth noting that Real Madrid have sparse alternatives at this price and quality.
Other elite left-back options like Theo Hernandez and Nuno Mendes are bound to cost a fortune, and Madrid will likely not get a better deal elsewhere.
2. A strategic fit
Real Madrid are poised to have an abundance of options at left-back next season.
Ferland Mendy, who has undergone a resurgence this year, is fabled for his defensive acumen. The left-back does not offer the most threat upfield but provides assurance at the back.
Meanwhile, it has been widely reported that Real Madrid are leaning towards triggering the buy option of former academy graduate Miguel Gutierrez, who is thriving at Girona.
While he would prove to be an upgrade in attack, the Spaniard is distinctly renowned for his crossing abilities, which holds true for Fran Garcia as well.
Given that Real Madrid’s biggest source of goals Jude Bellingham has largely been availed from deeper areas of the pitch, the team may lack the necessary aerial threat to fully utilize their full-backs’s strengths.
Additionally, Miguel Gutierrez excels in underlapping runs, which will not harmonize well with Vinicius Jr.’s inclination toward cutting inside.
Therefore, Alphonso Davies emerges as the ideal profile. As someone proficient in both defensive and offensive roles, his skillset complements Real Madrid’s current squad.
His overlapping profile will bring the best out of Vinicius. He is also adept at playing grounded crosses across the box as opposed to Garcia and Gutierrez’s crossing.
Moreover, Davies’ defensive diligence is equally remarkable, as he tends to lock up most wingers he faces.
Consequently, considering the club’s current options, Real Madrid would be broadening their scope with the arrival of Davies.
3. A statement signing
Alphonso Davies embodies the glitz and glamour of a Galactico signing. The 23-year-old is not only regarded as one of the best in his craft but also boasts a number of accolades to his name.
Indeed, the youngster has lifted an impressive 15 titles at Bayern Munich, notably winning the treble when he was still just 19 years old.
Beyond being a key starter at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, he also carries the mantle of captaincy for the Canadian national team, showcasing his ability to shoulder significant responsibility.
Davies has proven himself as a born winner, and will seamlessly slot into a team that prides itself on being mentally resilient and relentlessly driven to succeed at the highest level.
Consequently, Real Madrid will not simply be elevating their sporting prospects with Davies’ recruitment, but also fulfilling a longstanding tenet of their transfer strategy: securing a marquee player who ignites hype among the fans.
Cons
1. Other priorities
Davies’ talent and allure cannot be questioned, but on the flip side, it is a matter of identifying the priorities in Real Madrid’s wishlist.
And it can be rightfully argued that a center-back is the most essential profile Madrid must acquire in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Throughout the season, Madrid have grappled with a shortage of fit starting center-backs, relying mainly on Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez. This deficiency in defensive depth has been a recurring concern
As such, they have been eyeing a move for Lille’s young center-back Leny Yoro. Despite his potential, he is not expected to come cheap.
Reports indicate that Lille is demanding a substantial fee of €100 million due to the widespread interest from various clubs. This suggests that Madrid may need to make concessions if they are to secure his services.
Given the abundance of options at left-back and the evident gaps in defense, prioritizing Yoro over Davies appears to be a more sensible course of action.
2. Ferland Mendy taking his job seriously
Since the turn of the year, it is not a far fetch to claim Ferland Mendy has established himself as one of Europe’s best left-backs.
During the previous season, Mendy was regarded as one of the squad’s most dispensable players and endured a nearly two-month absence due to injury this season.
However, come January 2024, Mendy had staged a remarkable resurgence. This was vividly illustrated by his pivotal goal against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final, marking his return to top form.
Since then, he has been an undisputed starter for coach Carlo Ancelotti, with the Italian heralding him as the best defensive full-back in the world. His mental fortitude is also widely appreciated at the club.
Although Mendy does not provide Davies’ offensive prowess, signing the Canadian when a perfectly suitable option already exists would imply needless spending, particularly as other areas of the squad can be strengthened.
3. High salary
Bayern Munich’s concerns about retaining Alphonso Davies primarily stem from the fact that he is demanding a whopping €20 million salary.
The Bavarians do not wish to cripple their salary cap by awarding Davies such terms, which could result in him joining Real Madrid.
But the Royal Whites must not ignore the implications of paying someone such a staggeringly high salary either.
La Liga is renowned for imposing strict financial fair play laws, which could hinder Real Madrid’s plans in the future, with Barcelona’s case of reckless spending serving as an ideal example.
The Catalans are still suffering the consequences of awarding stars exceedingly high salaries, and Madrid could suffer a similar fate if they do not tread carefully.
Moreover, only six players are estimated to be earning in the €20 million-plus range, which would place Davies in the highest bracket.
As such, it would be a massive risk paying a player who will have ample competition in the left-back position that amount of money.
