Real Madrid has perfected its tactic of closing signings in advance and avoiding large outlays in tense negotiations with other clubs. After securing Kylian Mbappé last season, the white club’s roadmap now focuses on Alphonso Davies, the left-back from Bayern Munich. The Canadian, considered one of the best in his position, has entered the last year of his contract, allowing Madrid to play with timing and avoid an unnecessary payment for his transfer.

Madrid has patiently managed the Davies operation, resisting Bayern’s pressures to sell the player for a considerable amount. The Bavarian club was not willing to let the player go for less than 25 million euros, but the Chamartín team preferred to wait. Madrid’s main idea is clear: not to pay for a player who could arrive for free. Starting from January 1, 2025, Davies will be legally able to sign with another club, and Madrid has already laid the groundwork for that to happen.

During the summer, the white board made it clear that there would be no hasty moves for Davies, as the coaching staff, led by Carlo Ancelotti, believes that Ferland Mendy and Fran García can cover the left-back position during this season. Additionally, with the eventual return of David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga, the team has enough defensive versatility to not need Davies immediately.

Excellent Real Madrid-Bayern Relations

Madrid’s strategy has not only been effective financially but also diplomatically. Relations between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are excellent, and the white leadership has handled the situation with the utmost discretion to not harm those ties. From Bayern’s headquarters in Munich, it has been reluctantly accepted that Davies will fulfill his contract until June 30, 2025, allowing him to join Madrid at no cost.

Although the club will not make the operation public until absolutely necessary, all signs point to Davies being the next big name to reinforce the left flank of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, following in the footsteps of legends like Roberto Carlos and Marcelo. Madrid has played its cards intelligently, and the arrival of the Canadian seems increasingly inevitable.