Real Madrid's main summer target revealed - and it's not Mbappe

FT Desk

7 Oct 2023 15:35 BST
3 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Real Madrid have reportedly decided upon their top transfer target for the summer of 2024 - and this time, it is not Kylian Mbappe.

Article continues under the video

The Paris Saint-Germain star has long been sought after at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but Madrid have met fierce resistance every step of the way from the French champions.

Now, and even though speculation over Mbappe continues unabated, the Merengue seem to have set their sights on another dazzling young player.

STRANGE: Modric hits out at reduced Real Madrid role

According to AS, Alphonso Davies is now at the top of the club's list of transfer priorities.

The Bayern Munich player is rated as one of the best left-backs in the game, and at 22 is already in his fifth season as a first-team regular.

Davies' speed and attacking profile would be a fine fit for Madrid, very much in the mould of past stars in the role like Roberto Carlos and Marcelo.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is a big fan of the Canada international, though his continuity past the current season is in doubt amid rumours he will take up the Brazil job; while the sparkling success enjoyed by Jude Bellingham so far may give Madrid further incentive to return to the Bundesliga next summer.

Could Davies move to Madrid?

© ProShots - Davies alongside new Bayern team-mate Harry Kane

Madrid are bracing themselves for a steep asking price, but also know that Bayern are pragmatic transfer operators and are willing to let their stars go should they receive a suitable offer.

They will be further encouraged by recent comments from Davies' agent Nedal Huoseh, who seemed to leave the door open for a future switch.

"There is interest, as there is from lots of teams," he told 365ScoresArabic.

"We will see what happens in the coming months. I am sure that Madrid could be one of the clubs that would like to sign Davies. He played with [David] Alaba for three years, they speak all the time privately.

"Alphonso doesn't share all the information with me, but I am sure David would like to play with him again. Maybe he mentioned it... they are friends."