Big transfers often create a domino effect, with one move enabling others elsewhere. Potential transfers such as Hugo Ekitike (or Benjamin Sesko or João Pedro) to Newcastle could have unlocked Alexander Isak to Liverpool, while Alejandro Garnacho's move to Chelsea depended on exits for Christopher Nkunku or Nicolas Jackson. Contract renewals can be equally decisive by removing targets from the market and forcing clubs to enact plan B options. The early-February renewal of Davies at Bayern Munich for five years stopped Real Madrid pursuing him as a free signing and prompted Madrid to look for alternative left-back solutions.
Think about how if Hugo Ekitike (or Benjamin Sesko, or João Pedro) had moved to Newcastle United, it could have potentially unlocked Alexander Isak to Liverpool; or how Alejandro Garnacho's move to Chelsea relied on exits for Christopher Nkunku or Nicolas Jackson. But perhaps just as crucial in shaping the market is when players renew their contract to stay at their current club.
The first major contract renewal to set the 2025 market came in early February, as Davies surprised the world by committing to Bayern Munich for another five years. Many had assumed he would become Real Madrid's next prestigious free transfer signing, as they had been in contact and had a pretty obvious hole at left back to fill. The idea they might secure the Canada international in addition to Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold and revolutionize their full back corps for almost nothing felt ominous.
Collection
[
|
...
]