Manchester United are reportedly taking the first steps in their pursuit of world-class Bayern Munich whiz Alphonso Davies.
German football expert Florian Plettenberg revealed only 10 days ago that the Red Devils had shortlisted Davies in hopes of being first in line for his signature when his terms expire next summer.
Now, the Sky Germany journalist has revealed that United’s interest is becoming ‘more concrete’ after they approached the player’s camp, seemingly aware that talks are yet to take place between him and Bayern regarding a contract extension.
🚨🔴 Manchester United’s interest in Alphonso #Davies is becoming more concrete ✔️#MUFC have been gathering extensive information on Davies for several days. The 23y/o would be a desired transfer for the vacant left-back position, as recently revealed.
In recent months,… pic.twitter.com/khmCGnwbsM
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 25, 2024
United will, however, have to compete with reigning European champions Real Madrid, who have been targeting the fullback for well over a year now with the intention of signing him as a free agent – as they did with Kylian Mbappe this year.
United step up efforts to negotiate Davies deal
It’s hard to believe that Davies is still only 23 years old, given how long he’s been flourishing at the highest level. He joined the Bundesliga giants in 2018 from the Vancouver Whitecaps, and after spending a year with the reserves, broke through into Bayern’s first team in 2019, where he has held a starting role ever since and garnered over 200 appearances.
The ‘unbelievable’ Canadian international played an influential role during Bayern’s journey to claiming the continental treble in 2020, famously overseeing one of his best performances to date in the 8-2 thrashing against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.
As for United’s interest, INEOS chiefs are now making long-term plans to pursue a suitable Luke Shaw successor; the defender is only 29, but his availability and injury record have made it simply inconceivable to try and rely on him for an entire season, especially with fixtures being added left, right and centre each campaign.
The same can be said for Tyrell Malacia, who has not featured for the club since the final day of the 2022/2023 Premier League season.
Davies poses as a proven, low-cost option who could well fill the left-back role for the next decade. Yet, the lucrative offer of joining the Galacticos at the Santiago Bernabeu may become too difficult to turn down if Madrid accelerate their interest in the coming months.
