Real Madrid News
Bayern Munich initiate contract extension talks with 23-year-old Real Madrid target
In what could be a big blow to Real Madrid in their pursuit of Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich’s sporting director Christoph Freund has revealed that they recently established contacts with the Canadian speedster in an attempt to extend his stay beyond 2025.
It’s no secret that Davies is on Real Madrid’s radar and they are expected to move for him in the summer of 2024.
A lot has been said about this potential transfer over the last few weeks, but Freund played down the movement, saying that Bayern are doing everything possible to keep him at the club.
“I’ve already spoken to Phonzy’s advisor. Real Madrid is not my topic. I talk to him about our plans with Phonzy here at FC Bayern,” Freund told SPORT BILD.
When asked if the team’s goal is to keep him beyond 2025, he said, “Yes, of course – and as long-term as possible.
“He is a great boy who came to FC Bayern from Canada at an early age and has developed brilliantly. He gives us a special touch with his dynamism and speed,” he added.
Bayern’s plan might hamper Madrid’s progress
There is a growing sense of belief in Spain that Real Madrid are actively considering a left-back, with reports suggesting that the club places a high priority on securing the services of Davies.
It is believed that Real Madrid are prepared to initiate serious negotiations with the Canadian international once there is an indication from the player that he is open to leaving Bayern Munich.
It is to be noted that previously, talks regarding an extension of Davies’ contract with Bayern beyond 2025 had been put on hold due to the departure of former sports director Hasan Salihamidzic.
However, it has now come to light that the new sporting director, Freund, has reached out to Davies’ agent. A meeting between the two took place in Munich last week, leading to a shift in the advisor’s stance.
Contrary to earlier indications, he has publicly refuted any suggestion of a potential move to Real Madrid, emphasizing that Davies is content and feels at home in Munich.
Real Madrid’s main goal heading into the summer transfer window was to wrap up the signing of Jude Bellingham amid massive interest from Premier League giants such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola’s City, especially, were ready to match and increase any salary Madrid offered, and were going strongly into the bidding war.
Eventually, Bellingham decided to join Madrid after they reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for €3 million.
However, following this, los blancos had to improvise a fair bit as Karim Benzema decided to leave the club to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer. They were expecting him to continue for another season, at least, and it stumped their plans in the market.
In the next few weeks, Madrid chased forwards, and ended up signing Joselu, Brahim Diaz, and a certain Arda Guler, who was close to Barcelona before eventually ending up at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Unfortunately for Madrid, he is yet to play a single minute for the club after picking up a serious injury in pre-season. Despite being on the bench for a couple of games, Guler suffered a relapse in training, and was sidelined again.
Now, reports from Yagiz Sabuncuoglu say that the Turkish international is close to returning to team training.
Guler has slowly, but surely, been recovering from his injury, and could take to the pitch for his first minutes with the club in the next few weeks as Madrid look for solutions after a month full of injuries.
With Vinicius Jr, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, and Thibaut Courtois all out until early 2024, Madrid have relied on Castilla for reinforcements, but could do with Guler’s services in their forward line.
That said, Carlo Ancelotti and co. are expected to be extremely cautious when it comes to the Turkish international. The slightest spell of poor man-management here could make or break the youngster’s career.
