Decision time for Alphonso Davies: Man Utd or Real Madrid?

Robin Bairner

• 25 Oct 2024 19:00 BST
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies stands at a crossroads in his career, with three options currently lying ahead of him.

Out of contract next summer with Bayern, there is the possibility of moving to long-time suitors Real Madrid, increasingly interested Manchester United, or of course he has the opportunity to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga club.

Which route should he take?

Presently, staying at Bayern looks unlikely. Negotiations between the player and the club are not currently ongoing, and with little over two months before he can speak to rivals from abroad, Davies’ future is probably away from the Allianz Arena.

Current ETV

Alphonso Davies

D (L)

Bayern

Alphonso Davies

D (L)

Bayern

€40.3M

ETV Range

€30.2M - €50.4M

View full profile

A clear winner

Data analytics experts SciSports give an emphatic answer as to whether he should move to Real Madrid or Man Utd.

Los Blancos run out clearly the superior option for the left-back, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €40.3 million.

Real Madrid get a Club Fit score based on SciSports’ algorithm, which takes into account a range of factors from playing time and potential for development to playing style and formation.

The Bernabeu side scores solidly across the board with the exception of playing time. Ferland Mendy is rated higher than the Canadian, though this comes with the caveat that Davies has the capacity to become a key player in the Spanish capital – not just their best left-back, but one of their standout players period.

Madrid only rank sixth overall in terms of Davies’ best options from a footballing perspective, with Bayern actually sitting second, ironically behind domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund.

BVB are considered a strong option because of their playing time, style and formation, although a deal here is not realistic due to the finances involved as well as the politics between the clubs.

Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Liverpool are the other sides ranking ahead of Carlo Ancelotti’s men, typically because their playing style is seen by SciSports as more conducive to getting the best out of Davies.

Where are Man Utd?

Manchester United, meanwhile, are nowhere to be found, regarded as an also ran in terms of what best suits the player with a score of just 56.

One shred of comfort for Red Devils fans hoping their side can capture the world-class talent is that a change of manager could see an overhaul in terms of their style, formation and squad to better suit Davies.

Man Utd might be stepping up their interest in the full-back, but he’d be better sticking to Plan A and waiting for Real Madrid.