Davies to Real Madrid edges closer as Bayern line up replacement

Alphonso Davies is edging closer to Real Madrid in what would be another blockbuster acquisition for Los Blancos.

Madrid are widely expected to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer when his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires this summer and could follow that up by signing one of the world’s best left backs in Davies.

The Bayern Munich superstar is out of contract in 2025 and there has not yet been a breakthrough in talks over a new deal.

The 23-year-old Canadian expects to be among the club’s top earners but it has been reported that Bayern are refusing to be held to ransom in contract talks.

Bayern expect Davies to move to Real Madrid

Reports in Germany now state Bayern expect Davies to leave this summer with the club not ready to face the prospect of losing him on a free transfer a year later.

Discussions have taken place this week between Davies’ entourage and club officials in a bid to trash out a resolution with the upshot being that a move to Madrid looks closer than ever.

A transfer fee in the region of €40 million to €50 million would not be prohibitive for the 14-time European champions nor would Davies’ personal terms be insurmountable.

“There has been a meeting in Munich in recent days between [Bayern sporting director] Christoph Freund and Davies’ agent Nick Huoseh,” wrote Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, formerly Twitter.

“The focus was mainly on Davies' future, which is more open than ever! Personal terms between Real Madrid and Davies are not an issue. Real, willing to pay a maximum of €40-50m in summer.

“Bayern expect Real to heavily push down the price with only one year remaining on the contract. At this stage Bayern expect him rather to leave the club in summer than to extend his contract beyond 2025!”

Bayern consider Theo Hernandez as alternative to Davies

Davies has been at Bayern since the 2018-19 season, winning the title every year since his arrival from Vancouver Whitecaps. He has also won the Champions League and Club World Cup among multiple other honours.

Bayern have put Theo Hernandez on their list of possible replacements for Davies, according to another report in Germany.

The AC Milan left back and vice captain is under contract at San Siro until 2026 and the club could be forced to cash in during the next transfer window.

Hernandez, 26, spent time as a young player at both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid and has established himself as one of the world’s best full backs since moving to Milan in a deal worth up to €20 million in 2019.

He was part of the France team which played in the 2022 World Cup final and was crowned a Serie A winner in 2021.

Bayern determined to solve left-back problem

Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the Frenchman in the recent past but it looks like Bayern could move in and take their chance at signing him.

It was reported at the time of Premier League interest that Milan could settle for a deal around €60m.

Hernandez is a regular provider of goals and assists for the Rossoneri, chipping in with 28 goals and 36 assists throughout 199 matches.

While there is institutional uncertainty around Bayern currently, with coach Thomas Tuchel set to depart and a new Head of Sport - Max Eberl - not coming in until next month, the club is nonetheless fully focussed on solving the emerging problem at left back.

“[Theo Hernandez] is on FC Bayern's list as a possible replacement for Alphonso Davies,” wrote Plettenberg on X, formerly Twitter. “Among other candidates. Also, because Hernandez is versatile on the left side.

“Nothing concrete at this stage. But Bayern are already preparing a solution. Finding a decision in the poker game for Davies is one of the first major tasks for the new duo Eberl/Freund. Hernandez, one of the best left defenders in the world at this stage. Contract with AC Milan is valid until 2026.”