Alphonso Davies to Real Madrid: Los Blancos are making a rare transfer misstep in targeting Bayern Munich's electric left-back

Davies has supposedly wanted to leave Bayern for some time now. The Canadian full-back was at his best under Hansi Flick in 2021, and has struggled to recapture that form since. Uncertainty over his future seems to be linked to the end of the 2022-23 season, when Bayern won the league on the final day, a late Jamal Musiala goal capturing an 11th-straight Bundesliga title after an infamous Borussia Dortmund late season collapse.

Musiala's heroics, though, did little to protect senior figures within the club. CEO Oliver Kahn and Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic's sackings were announced minutes after the final whistle. Neither of them were permitted to join Bayern's title celebrations - much to Kahn's public chagrin.

Talks of contract extensions in Bavaria have thinned out since then. It would seem to leave Bayern with issues across the board, with Davies, Kimmich, Musiala and Leroy Sane all on deals that expire in 2025. All four are key players for this side and there has been no concrete movement to keep any of them around for longer.

It is in that landscape that exit talk around Davies has grown. The left-back's outspoken agent has done little to squash suggestions that he would be honoured to suit up in Madrid white, while Davies' vague platitudes haven't reassured concerned parties: "I feel very comfortable here. I play in an incredible team at one of the absolute top clubs in Europe. I stay focused and give everything for the team and our fans."

This would seem to represent a massive shift from the wide-eyed former Vancouver Whitecaps winger who showed up in Munich in 2019, joining Bayern for an MLS record $22 million (£17m.) He needed over six months to crack the starting XI, eventually securing his spot after being converted from a left-winger to an attacking left-back - a change brought about by injuries elsewhere.

It worked perfectly. Davies, then still a teenager, took the Bundesliga by storm in the 2019-2020 season. He tallied eight goal contributions in 24 starts in the German top flight, and added five assists in cup competitions. He became the fastest player in Bundesliga history, reaching 36.51 kilometres per hour (22.69 mph) in a clash with Werder Bremen. Then came that hallmark assist - and accompanying performance - against Barca. It all amounted to a Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award, team of the season honour, and a spot on the FIFPro World 11 by the end of the year. "World class" conversations began - and never really lost momentum.

Since then, though, Davies has struggled. After enjoying another strong run with a Bundesliga-winning side, a stretch of health issues have stalled his career. In January 2022, the left-back tested positive for COVID-19, and started to feel consistent pain in his chest. A series of tests from doctors revealed that Davies had developed myocarditis - a rare but possible complication from contracting the disease.

For a brief period, it seemed that he might not ever play football again.

"That was very scary, especially [because] the doctors are saying that they don't know how long I was supposed to be out," he said. "At that time I had doubts in my head, whether I'm still going to be able to play football, but everything worked out at the end. I'm happy and I'm grateful for the doctor taking such good care of me. I'm happy that I can be back on the pitch."

Davies returned to the fray in April, but the Bavarians' season was mostly over by the time he stepped on the pitch again. Things were further complicated in the 2022-23 season. He was on the wrong end of a Jude Bellingham boot in October, and
suffered a bruised skull that ruled him out for a short period. Another knock, sustained in November, threw his World Cup into jeopardy. And although he played for his country in Qatar, this wasn't a fully-fit player strutting his stuff - even if he did impress.

Davies recovered somewhat for the months after, but missed the last five matches of the Bundesliga season. By that time, transfer talk had kicked into gear, and new manager Thomas Tuchel had proved that he could set up a team without him.

Los Blancos have reportedly been tracking Davies for some time, but it was his World Cup showings - when Canada were outmatched against more experienced sides - that really impressed scouts. There had supposedly been Spanish interest for a while, with Davies himself claiming that he could have been a Barca player, only for Joan Laporta to call the deal off due to Davies' nationality.

It would seem to open the door for Madrid to strike. This looks a lot like a Real Madrid transfer of old, with Davies arguably one of the best in the world in his position. He is in his prime, marketable, and exciting. Los Blancos don't do galacticos anymore, but if they wanted a statement signing - as much as a left-back can be one - then this is their man.

Davies, apparently, would be open to a move away, too. Bayern are in something of a transitional period. New sporting director Max Eberl has promised to start contract negotiations with the full-back - as well as a few other key names - but change is afoot. Tuchel is set to leave at the end of the season and a new manager would undoubtedly bring in fresh ideas and systems of his own. If there ever was a time for Davies to leave, with a reason to do so, then this is it.

It is from the Madrid perspective, then, that this all gets a bit complicated. Los Blancos, after appearing shallow at left-back just 12 months ago, have settled the position this season. Back then, Ferland Mendy couldn't stay fit, and Eduardo Camavinga was forced to play there - largely due to his series of strong showings in the spot for France at the World Cup. It's something that he openly disliked - but was undeniably effective at.

Camavinga, though, was never going to be a long-term option in the position. It made sense, then, for Real to go after a world class option to replace the struggling Mendy and allow their Frenchman to play as a centre-midfielder. Now, though, things have changed. Mendy has enjoyed a spell of fitness, settling into the position effectively. He isn't particularly impressive in an attacking sense, but offers cover for the exciting Vinicius Jr, while his defensive skills have been invaluable. He will never be eye-catching, but he has become a near-perfect fit for this side. Fran Garcia, too, has shown glimpses since his return to the club and is more than just a steady backup.

Real's concern should be on the other side of their back-four, where right-backs Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez are both ageing. In short, Madrid don't need Davies.

Los Blancos' transfer policy has shifted in recent years. They still spend big on big names, but prefer to invest in players who are yet to hit their peak. They broke the bank for first Aurelien Tchouameni and then Jude Bellingham, and shelled out heavily for Endrick. But all three signings are, in some way, good business - even if Tchouameni is yet to fully settle and Endrick is still technically a Palmeiras player.

And this summer, they will have to go even bigger. They have reportedly already agreed terms with Kylian Mbappe on a five-year contract - complete with one of the biggest signing bonuses in the sport's history, and a handsome base salary, too. It is up to PSG whether they will negotiate a deal with their star man to squeeze an additional transfer fee out of the Spanish giants, but this is still an immense financial commitment - even if they aren't paying up to another club. Endrick, too, won't come cheap, with the installments for the rest of his deal still due over the coming months.

Perhaps they feel there is value to be found here. if Davies indeed does force his way out - and demand that the Bavarians sell him now - then he would certainly be available at a fee below the eye-watering figure he really should cost.

This might not be an extravagant waste of money. But cheap mistakes are still mistakes. Davies wowed the football world with a magical assist almost four years ago, and has proved since then that he can play at a high level. But for a Madrid side that is spending big elsewhere - and not desperate for a left-back - then the Canadian doesn't seem the right way to go this summer.