Real Madrid News
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could swap players for free in 2025 – report
Real Madrid have had their sights set on a move for Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies for a long time now.
The possibility of signing the Canadian international was explored this summer as he entered the final year of his contract with the Bavarian giants.
However, with Bayern holding out for a large fee and Real Madrid reluctant to meet that valuation, the idea was shelved, with the Merengues instead planning to sign him for free in 2025.
Player swap on the cards between Real Madrid and Bayern?
Now, Fichajes reports that there may be a direct swap of players between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the summer of 2025 with there being no money involved.
Real Madrid plan on signing Davies when his contract expires at the end of the season and in turn, Bayern Munich could move to land Los Blancos’ goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin.
The Ukrainian international is out of contract next year like Davies and has his mind set on leaving as a free agent, despite having a five-year contract renewal offer on the table.
Bayern Munich would likely need a new goalkeeper next year with Manuel Neuer in the final phase of his career and Lunin would be an option for them, considering that there had been interest in him in the past.
As such, there could be an arrangement where Davies and Lunin end up swapping clubs for free, provided neither of them signs a new contract with their current teams.
Things will likely be set in motion in January once both Davies and Lunin enter the final six months of their contracts and would be free to negotiate with other clubs.
Even though Real Madrid have strengthened their defensive line significantly over the past two summers, they are still looking for more reinforcements.
Jose Mourinho was already pushing for another centre-back signing this past summer despite signing Ibrahima Konate. But Raul Asencio’s refusal to leave meant that there was no other addition made.
However, heading into 2027, Los Blancos intend to sign another centre-back, given that Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season and is unlikely to be renewed.
Moreover, Eder Militao’s continued fitness issues are also a cause of concern, prompting the Merengues to explore the possibility of bringing in another centre-half.
And, as already reported, Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as an option for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid regularly scouting Quansah
Building on that, journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany reports that Real Madrid have been regularly scouting Quansah this season.
It goes to further underline that the Spanish capital side seem to hold a genuine interest in the 23-year-old England international, who can play both at centre-back and right-back.
Quansah has become a permanent fixture in the defensive line at Leverkusen since his move to the Bundesliga from Liverpool in 2025.
The young defender was also a part of the England national team that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and has nine caps for the Three Lions.
Stiff competition for Quansah
However, as per the report, Real Madrid are not the only club showing an interest in Quansah.
Indeed, Premier League champions Arsenal and fellow London club Chelsea are also closely monitoring the 23-year-old England international at Leverkusen.
Moreover, Quansah’s boyhood club, Liverpool, are also keeping a close eye on his development. After all, the Reds have a buyback clause worth €70 million for their academy product, which is valid until 15 June 2027.
A promising, young defender with plenty of potential and room for development, Quansah can be an exciting long-term addition for Real Madrid.
However, as per reports, some within the club hierarchy believe that the team could do with more experienced options to bolster the backline. So, it remains to be seen how things progress and whether the interest in Quansah develops into an offer.
