Alphonso Davies will have to serve out the final year of his contract if he plans to move Real Madrid, Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has warned. Canadian international Davies is wanted by the European champions to fill their relative weakness at the left-back position and there has been no breakthrough in extending terms at Bayern with his contract expiring at the end of June.
Bayern are still hoping the 23-year-old will stay, but they find themselves in a significant situation, with Madrid hovering just out of sight. Do they do what they can in the knowledge that a fee may not come close to covering the cost of replacing one of the best left-backs in the world, the kind who could make a significant contribution to their quest for silverware in Germany and Europe? Likewise, they would have even less to replace Davies if he moves to the Santiago Bernabeu in 11 months’ time.
Hoeness’ indication is that what Bayern have to offer now in terms of an extension is the best he will get.
“We told him very clearly that we would let the contract expire if he did not renew it.” Hoeness told reporters. “He won’t get any more money.”
Bayern want to recover from the first season without trophies in thirteen years and have invested heavily in the selection of new manager Vincent Kompany. Joao Palhinha and Michael Olise joined from the Premier League for a combined $114 million, while Hiroki Ito arrived from Stuttgart for $32.7 million to address the problem left center back position. Eric Dier and Bryan Zaragoza Their loans have also been made permanent.
Bayern are believed to be keen to deploy some of their high-earning experienced strikers, a place where Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane are established options. Central defender Matthijs de Ligt is also important for Manchester United as the Bavarians look to reduce their squad, something that will be necessary if they want to add new players.
“There will be no more players coming unless two or three players leave first,” Hoeness said. “[Sporting directors] Max Eberl and Christoph Freund know very well that no one will come unless one or two prominent players leave. Bayern has no money-spinners.”