One of the hottest names in European football heading into the 2024 transfer window must be Alphonso Davies, left-back of Bayern Munich. His contract, ending in 2025, allows him to talk to other clubs starting January 2024. Bayern Munich is facing difficulties meeting Davies’ reported financial demands, so, they might have to let him go. This situation opens up options for Alphonso Davies, with Real Madrid and Barcelona showing strong interest.

While Real Madrid’s plan to secure Alphonso Davies seems straightforward, the 23-year-old‘s future might involve a reunion with a familiar face in another shade of Spanish blue and red. According to sources close to the player,  Davies is leaning towards a move to Barcelona because of a certain figure on the Barça sidelines, Hansi Flick.

Real Madrid is well aware of the weaknesses at left-back. They believe Alphonso Davies is the right player for that position. Florentino Pérez, president of Madrid, has been following Davies’ rise for some time and feels that the pace, defensive prowess, and attacking ability of the player can boost Madrid’s backline with speed. He is also seen as the most likely candidate to assume responsibilities as a backup for established players on the left, such as Ferland Mendy, who have struggled with injuries and form over these past seasons.

In addition, the board of Madrid believes that the desires of Davies are in the future vision. On the other hand, Alphonso Davies, by joining Real Madrid, will be able to feature before a global audience and compete in an environment recognized for its high performance and past success in the Champions League. However, reports from Madrid claim that Bayern Munich’s reluctance to meet Davies’ financial requests might complicate his direct transfer to Real Madrid.

Will Alphonso Davies lean toward Barcelona?

While Davies might respect the glorious past of Real Madrid, his loyalty to Flick and desire to work under a coach he trusts become the balancing factors in favor of Barcelona. With Flick, he developed a highly symbiotic relationship that helped the young full-back excel both in a defensive and offensive position. As sources indicate, Davies finds the Barcelona project an opportunity to recreate his partnership.

Alphonso Davies also connects with the high-intensity, possession-based football of Barcelona concerning his playing style. For Davies, it is not just another club; it presents an opportunity to get his career up to that rarefied level when working with a teacher who molded his game from the very early days of his European adventure. Although Alphonso Davies might be biased towards Barcelona, such a transfer is a whole different story.

Barcelona has been going through severe financial problems for the last few seasons and would be very careful in any major transfer deals, which may attract Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions. However, Laporta is said to be optimistic about the deal. There are reports that if Davies agrees to commit to the Barça project, then the club will look at other ways to structure the deal, including player sales or structured payments.

Real Madrid, being financially sound, is actually relatively free to sign whoever it wants. Compared to Bayern Munich, Madrid is well placed to afford whoever it wants without endangering its financial stability. Ultimately, it will probably be a race of personal preference for Alphonso Davies. While Real Madrid still holds allure, Hansi Flick may be the draw Davies cannot ignore. In January, Davies will be free to negotiate with both Spanish giants, and the fans will be in an anxious waiting game as they await his decision.