Thirteen months. That is how long Alphonso Davies' name has been linked with Real Madrid. In the first months of 2024, his signing by the Spanish club was taken for granted. The agent hinted at the interest and everything cooled down. From the Spanish club, they made him see, already in the spring, that he would have to wait, that he should do the same as Kylian Mbappe. The Canadian accepted it and time is proving him right for the gesture he made after the request to wait. The Bayern Munich full-back asked for a series of conditions and already knows that Real Madrid are willing to accept them and the agreement is only waiting for January 2, 2025, which makes it possible to sign what was discussed in a declaration of intent.

Davies has kept his promise. He continues to stand firm in his position. Bayern have approached him, made proposals, but nothing. On each occasion, the player has looked the other way, convinced that the best option is to move to the Santiago Bernabeu. He knows that if he wanted to get closer, it was not worth playing a double game and that if there was the slightest doubt, everything would fall apart. He has been faithful. By standing firm in his position, he made some requests, which at Valdebebas they have seen themselves capable of assimilating and fulfilling.

Bayern Munich tried weeks ago to renew Davies' contract, but the player rejected the offer. According to German newspaper Bild, the Bavarians presented a final offer to Davies, whose contract with the Bavarian club expires at the end of the season. It is true that the Bavarian club has seemed to have accepted his departure in recent months, although it is also true that from time to time Max Eberl, sporting director, said a few days ago that: "Will Alphonso Davies sign a new contract? The chances are there". These were his last words. Repeatedly, the Bavarian club's executives have said that they do not want a repeat of the Alaba cas, who left without receiving anything in return, but the reality is that control of the situation is no longer theirs.

Barcelona, United... enemies

Barcelona and Manchester United are the ones who have come closest to the Canadian player's entourage in recent weeks. The English with money involved and the Catalans with the Flick factor as an ally. The responses received by the directors of both entities have not been as expected, neither economically nor sentimentally. They have not been factors that have altered in the slightest the positioning of the full-back. Neither Flick has been able to cope with it.

What the player was also very clear about at all times was that he did not have to enter into any kind of bidding war. Real Madrid sets limits on any signing and if they are exceeded, they look for another player, as happened with Leny Yoro last summer. There is no room for speculation, neither with what another offers him, nor with what Bayern Munich may put on the table.

Liverpool and Alexander Arnold

As is the case with Alexander Arnold and Liverpool, the relationship between the two clubs is remarkable, perhaps a little better with the English club because of some statements by those in charge of the Bavarian club, but in any case what they do not want at Valdebebas to cloud a coexistence that so far has been more than positive. The Super League is what seems to have distanced the two clubs somewhat. "I have always had a great relationship with Real Madrid, especially with Florentino Perez and vice-president Pedro Lopez. The appreciation and respect is still there, the only thing I ask them is to bury their plans regarding the Super League. That's all. Do you know what happens?" Rumenigge told Bild newspaper.

This does not happen with Liverpool, a team with which in recent years it has been usual to face each other on the pitch (two Champions League finals included), as well as different knockout rounds, and at all times dialogue has prevailed and the gestures of unity and understanding between both entities.

Need on the right side, reinforcement on the left

If Carvajal's injury has left the right-back position in a bad way, on the opposite flank the situation is not the same. It is a question of improving what is there. Fran Garcia is being used more and more by Ancelotti. The starter is Mendy, who was renewed last summer, but the youth player's appearances have led him to play in 12 games so far this season. We should not forget the buy-back option that the club has on Miguel Gutierrez, but at the moment it is not being considered, mainly because of the surplus of players in the position, especially considering the possible arrival of Davies.