Report: Whitecaps want up to $18 million from Bayern Munich for Alphonso Davies

Jul 23 2018, 12:47 am

Just how much is the golden boy worth?

That’s a question that will be answered during ongoing negotiations between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Bayern Munich. The two clubs are reportedly nearing an MLS record-breaking transfer fee of $12 million USD for 17-year-old phenom Alphonso Davies, but it’s not a done deal yet according to a new report out of Germany.

According to Christian Falk, a journalist with Sport Bild, the Whitecaps are searching for up to $6 million extra in bonuses, plus 15% in future resales of Davies.

Davies has been held out of the Whitecaps’ last two games, including Saturday’s important derby match in Seattle.

The Whitecaps released an official statement regarding his absence, saying only: “Alphonso Davies is not playing today with the club’s permission. The club will provide an update with any further details when relevant.”

The Whitecaps had another disappointing performance without their teenaged All-Star, losing 2-0 to the Sounders. After a 45-minute delay, Head Coach Carl Robinson provided an update to the patiently awaiting media in attendance.

“Alphonso’s got permission from the football club to take the weekend off,” said Robinson. “It was the same process as Wednesday night, although people didn’t know that and made assumptions that he was able to play, which he wasn’t due to what is going on at the moment. I think you’ll read a little bit more news in the coming day or two, but obviously it’s positive for him and us.”

Cryptic much?

“He’s in Vancouver. So he’s not in Seattle, because if he was he would have been playing and I think you saw we missed him.”

While a number of Whitecaps fans shared their disappointment in losing the team’s best and most exciting player, selling off Davies for a king’s ransom was always the plan. Davies, who made his MLS debut at age 15, has taken another step forward this season, scoring three goals and a team-leading eight assists.

To get one of the biggest clubs on the planet to shell out money for him is a great sign for Davies, who represents hope for a struggling soccer nation.

Davies has likely played his final MLS match, meaning fans will have to settle for seeing him play on home soil in a red and white jersey going forward, as a key member of the Canadian national team.

See also
Rob WilliamsRob Williams

+ Offside
+ Soccer
ADVERTISEMENT