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The End of Davies and Bayern? Who Can Replace the Veteran?
The Alphonso Davies contract situation is one of the more significant news items from the contract negotiations, which has kept fans with Bayern Munich tickets actively refreshing their news feed.
The Canadian international, who will be out without a contract next year, has declined to accept Bayern’s offer.
While several rounds of talks have occurred between him, his agent, and the management, a conclusive new agreement has yet to be reached.
Now Bayern is offering an ultimatum – a take-it-or-leave-it option on the table.
Davies Situation
Bayern Munich’s honorary president and supervisory board member, Uli Hoeness, stated that if left-back Alphonso Davies “doesn’t renew his contract,” which expires in 2025, they will “let it run out.”
At an event celebrating the 75th anniversary of SV Seligenporten, the former leader insisted that the Canadian, rumored to be on the radar of Real Madrid and other teams, “risks leaving for free” and that “he needs to decide based on his performance, what his value is, and if he stays or not” at the Bavarian club.
The legendary Bayern forward also discussed the club’s current affairs, asserting that hiring Vincent Kompany as the new coach was a “great decision,” as they wanted “something new,” someone who “approaches things dynamically,” and that “Bayern’s motto should be to work hard again.”
This was the last communication from Bayern Munich on the contracts. Those with Bayern Munich tickets are left to wonder what transpired between the two parties that they could not reach an amicable solution.
Most fans hint that Davies was asking too much at the moment and that the offer in front of him was still formidable for a star player. But most of those with Bayern Munich tickets think that what Davies is asking is a fair price for a player of his skill level and is nothing Bayern cannot afford.
For context, Harry Kane, their superstar signing, earns a 400,000 salary weekly from the club.
Regarding Kompany’s predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, Hoeness mentioned that their parting was “completely amicable,” though he now views the matter “quite critically” with time.
Hoeness also touched on the potential managerial candidates they considered, expressing confidence that Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen’s coach, “would have liked to come to Bayern, but he’s a coach with great character.”
He commented on various transfer dealings involving Bayern, calling it “nonsense” to talk about signing players for 90 and 50 million euros, adding that “no new players will come unless one, two, or three leave first.”
Besides Davies, Hoeness also addressed the situations of two other players: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka.
“Joshua is a very sensible guy you can talk to rationally. I don’t see any major issues in the conversation; I don’t know what will come of it. But talking to Joshua isn’t as difficult as talking to some agents from far away,” he said about the midfielder.
Regarding Goretzka, he announced that “now he has the chance to prove with a new coach that what happened over the past two years wasn’t right”: “Starting tomorrow at training camp, a new era begins. And if Leon is in top form….”
This is not the first time that Davies has reportedly been given an ultimatum; Bayern has negotiated with him on two occasions in the past.
Around a month ago, the press reported that Davies had not signed a deal with Real Madrid, news that piqued the interest of Barcelona and United.
Manchester United Lining Up
Bayern Munich had yet to disclose the new contract that Davies was looking for; the contract negotiations with Manchester United have brought the sum to light.
Davies was asking for around 240,000 pounds, which is roughly 290,0000 Euros. Now, Manchester United is a frontrunner in terms of matching this.
Media confirmed this week that the Red Devils are keen on the Canada international – whose contract with Bayern Munich runs out next summer – although his wage demands of £240,000-a-week could prove to be a sticking point to any move.
In addition, Davies wants a huge £10m fee when he joins his next club, with the finances involved in such a deal potentially pricing INEOS out of a move for the lightning-quick 24-year-old.
However, any deal has other obstacles for the ‘world-class’ star. Spanish giants Real Madrid are still considered the frontrunners for Davies’ signature, meaning a switch to Old Trafford currently appears unlikely.
Unsurprisingly, United and incoming manager Ruben Amorim could be looking to strengthen on the left-hand side ahead of the 39-year-old implementing his trusted 3-4-3 system.
Right now, one of the biggest drawbacks in the United lineup is their defense. While they are trying to ease out the attacking issue, their lack of speed in the backs has cost them places.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are two players in the squad who could fill that left wing-back role, but their fitness records suggest that the Red Devils may need to bring in a new player for that position.
Erik ten Hag revealed in his final press conference before United sacked him that Shaw had suffered a setback in his recovery. The England international had not played in a red shirt since February 18.
While two clubs will rally to sign Davies, those with Bayern Munich tickets will soon need to consider life after Davies, who’s been a loyal servant to the club.
Arrived as a teenager, Davies was a significant transfer from the MLS to Bayern, with $13.5 million paid to Vancouver at the time.
A player who lived the true Bavarian spirit, he contributed to 140+ appearances. He will leave with a UEFA Champions League and multiple trophies.
While Bayern’s contract negotiations are going south, most fans with Bayern tickets will start asking on social media who will fill the Canadian’s shoes.
There are hints about who Vincent Kompany will want to use in that position.
Adam Aznou looks like the ideal replacement—a player who’s come up through the junior levels to the first team. He envisions Davies as his role model.
In Bayern’s recent 3-0 win over Union Berlin, Adam Aznou made his first appearance for the Bayern senior squad by replacing Alphonso Davies in the 80th minute.
“Alphonso is my role model,” said Adam Aznou (via @iMiaSanMia). “When I wasn’t subbed on recently, Alphonso told me that I was on the right track and should keep working on myself. He’s really a big help to me. I want to keep getting minutes, fight for a place here, and, above all, win lots of titles.”
Bayern Munich tickets for UEFA Champions League tickets are now available on all of the remaining matches.
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