Real Madrid News
Bayern Munich’s €70 million-rated speedster rejecting tempting contract offers amid Real Madrid interest
Despite Real Madrid’s incredible start to the season, the club is aware that reinforcements are further required to bolster the team and plug holes in positions that are not as well reinforced as others.
The left-back spot in particular has been an area of concern. With a shortage of world-class quality present and oftentimes Eduardo Camavinga availed as a makeshift full-back, the Merengues are eyeing an upgrade in Bayern Munich talisman Alphonso Davies.
Davies resisting Bayern’s offers
As per MARCA, Alphonso Davies continues to resist Bayern Munich’s tempting contract offers. As such, Real Madrid are attentive to the situation.
The 23-year-old left-back’s current contract expires in 2025, which means he will be entering the final year of his deal next summer.
Given the complexity of the talks between Davies and Bayern, the Canadian may end up being placed on the market, opening the door for Real Madrid to take advantage.
The report further argues that the relationship between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich is excellent, which could prove to be useful in the event the two clubs end up holding talks over the 23-year-old Champions League winner.
The €70 million-rated speedster couples offensive output with immaculate recoveries in defense, explaining Real Madrid’s interest in arguably one of the best left-backs around.
Bayern not willing to let Davies go for free
While Los Blancos are attentive to the Alphonso Davies situation, Bayern wants to avoid another David Alaba case of losing him for free.
At this point, Bayern’s approach is clear and is not to renew the contract before June 30. The idea is to put the full-back on the market if he does not end up complying, as the Germans do not wish to see their pride being dented by letting him hit the exit door for free.
With prior reports stating the Real Madrid hierarchy will look to offload Ferland Mendy, a move for Davies will end up becoming a lot more likely.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid relationship with Ballon d’Or organisers improving after major fallout – report
Real Madrid’s relationship with the Ballon d’Or suffered a spectacular fallout a couple of seasons ago during the saga involving Vinicius Junior.
However, according to MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone), relations between Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organisers are slowly improving and veering towards normality again.
Madrid and Ballon d’Or rebuilding relationship
The dispute erupted around the 2024 ceremony after Madrid learned that Vinicius Junior would not win the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately receiving the award.
Madrid reacted strongly, deciding not to send their delegation to the ceremony in Paris despite several representatives being expected to attend.
The decision turned what should have been a celebration of Madrid’s successful season into a major controversy.
The club’s absence also made clear that the disagreement extended beyond disappointment over one individual award.
Relations subsequently became extremely strained. Now, however, the situation appears to be changing.
A significant change after 2024
For Madrid, rebuilding the relationship does not mean forgetting what happened.
The club felt strongly about the treatment surrounding the 2024 ceremony, particularly after Vinicius had been widely viewed inside Madrid as deserving of the prize.
However, remaining in a permanent dispute with one of football’s most prestigious institutions offers limited benefit.
Madrid routinely have players competing for the biggest individual honours in the sport.
Maintaining a functional relationship with the Ballon d’Or organisers is therefore the more practical position.
It is a work in progress to return the relationship to where it was before the 2024 controversy, but a first step is always good news.
A player like Kylian Mbappe is in the running to win the Ballon d’Or this year, and it would be important to mend fences ahead of a potential accolade.
Tensions beginning to ease
The important development is simply that the relationship is moving in a more positive direction.
It is significant considering how publicly and dramatically Madrid distanced themselves from the ceremony two years ago.
Ultimately, the understanding that the Ballon d’Or is an award decided by voting would help resolve a lot of this controversy.
There is absolutely no doubt that Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award in 2024 for the season he had, but that is in the past.
Madrid do not need to forget, but it is important that they mend fences with the organisers ahead of potential accolades for their superstars in the coming years.
