A high-profile transfer almost happened.
Real Madrid have found their signature
The long-term saga with Kylian Mbappe was worth taking one of the main footballers of the generation as a free agent. And the “creamy” ones became tasty. The team as a whole doesn’t often spend money on transfers like they do Manchester United or Chelsea. The best deals are made differently: They find promising teenagers in the Brazilian market and exploit the free agent market. Club status allows you to select the main prizes. Mbappé’s case showed that Los Blancos have access to a footballer from any team and of any status, the main thing is to get involved in the negotiations on time.
In the years to come, the people of Madrid plan to commit several more “thefts” of this type. First, they sought to strengthen the flanks of the attack. Perez wanted to take graduate and long-time team leader Trent Alexander-Arnold away from Liverpool. Considering that it is entirely possible to count on titles with the Merseysiders, one would think that the probability of a deal is extremely low. In fact, Trent seems genuinely inclined to move: Real Madrid are building a promising team attracted by the new generation of Galacticos.
With him, Los Blancos would attract Alphonso Davies from Bayern. Work on the Canadian began last season – and by the winter it seemed that the problem had been solved. The footballer was convinced not to renew his contract and was preparing for a free agent transfer.
Ancelotti was able to change the selection of players
At Real Madrid, the team is getting younger little by little. The restructuring is completed in the center of the field and in the attacking group. The weak link is considered to be the defensive flanks, where the old Carvajal/Vazquez, the traumatized Mendy and Garcia play, who do not have a high-level status. “Papa Carlo” decided a long time ago how to dispose of Alfonso’s position. It was obvious that the Canadian would come as a starter – so one of the members of the Mendy-Garcia duo would have to say goodbye to him. The Italian appreciates Ferland’s performance and defensive skills, which is why preference was given to him – as expected, the Frenchman’s contract would be extended and Garcia would be wanted for a new team. In the case of the TAA transition, the same dilemma arose on the right side.
Manchester United and Barça was an alternative
And yet, apart from Real Madrid, Alfonso had a fairly wide choice. He could still renew his contract with Bayern. On top of that, Manchester United and Barcelona were visible on the horizon.
Mancunians began to take a closer look at the defender during Ten Hag’s final days at the club – interest continued even after Amorim’s appointment. Davis fits even better into Amorim’s system – the Portuguese prefer a formation with three central defenders, so the wingers have to cover the entire edge. Alfonso could have secured himself, so he would have opened up better in attack.
The name of the project and Hansi Flick as head coach speak in favor of Barça. The German had previously worked with Alfonso – it was under him that the Canadian flourished at Bayern. The player’s agent even met Deco in Barcelona. We can say that the footballer has considered each of these options.
Games for a contract
The epic has unfolded in earnest. In December 2023, it seemed that Davis was about to join Real Madrid and the deal was practically done. Then they appeared Manchester United and Barcelona, the agent was in contact with the Catalan management. At the same time, there was talk of negotiations with Bayern on a new contract – although it was previously reported that Los Blancos were convincing the full-back not to renew the deal.
It seems that if this interest existed, it was used to get the most favorable contract terms from the Munich players. For almost a year, the parties “fought” in salary negotiations. Initially, Alfonso demanded 12 million euros per year, then the demands gradually increased to 20 million. The Munich team resisted and threatened to offer the defender a transfer. It was at this time that the Real Madrid story began. In March, the club increased the offer to 11-13 million. I was refused again.
At the time when the Canadian was offered a contract worth 13 million euros plus bonuses of up to four million, some members of the management doubted the need for an extension on such terms. As a result, the parties reached an agreement until 2030 and a salary of 15 million euros per year.
The Munich project became more attractive
Another important detail is that they started talking about the threat of Davis joining Real when difficult times were setting in at Bayern. Tuchel tried to correct the situation at least successfully Champions Leaguewhile the club waited until the summer to appoint another coach and start building a new project. The team lost the lead in the championship, was eliminated from the German Cup and played rather unstable – all this also influenced the attractiveness of the project for Davis. Especially in the context of Real Madrid, who had a fiery season in both La Liga and the Champions League. At the time, the “cream” project was much more attractive.
But now the situation has changed. Mbappe’s arrival at Real damaged the team’s chemistry; the Madrid team was going through a difficult period. At the same time, Kompany brought Bayern back to their usual positions and achieved some brilliant victories at the start of the season. The Munich team is once again confident in its abilities: it can compete for the Bundesliga title and Champions League. There is simply no point in Alfonso leaving the team, where the atmosphere has returned to normal.
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