Real Madrid are reported to have agreed a new contract with left-back Ferland Mendy that is likely to also have implications for any lingering transfer interest in Alphonso Davies.
Mendy recently entered the final 12 months of his current deal at the Bernabeu, having signed a long-term six-year contract when he first arrived from Lyon in 2019.
But while the Frenchman hasn’t always been able to stay fit, he has become a favourite of Carlo Ancelotti and played every minute of last season’s Champions League knockout stage.
Marca writes that Ancelotti requested particular effort was made to secure Mendy’s future before the new season begins and considers him an important part of the squad.
The 29-year-old, who was selected by France for Euro 2024 but didn’t get on the pitch, is expected to sign a new deal until 2027 when he reports for duty after a holiday. The deal is set to include the option of a further 12 months, dependent on appearances, while the salary is also reported to hinge on the number of games he plays after missing so many through injury in previous seasons.
A fit Mendy will go into 2024/25 as Ancelotti’s starting left-back, with home-grown Fran Garcia a reliable back-up. It also further diminishes the likelihood of formally pursuing Bayern Munich’s Davies in what remains of the summer transfer window.
The Canadian has been linked with a switch to the Bernabeu for some time, although previous momentum appears to have slowed considerably. He is yet to agree a new contract with Bayern, which poses the possibility of becoming a free agent next summer. The Germans will risk it.
Madrid have made clear their unwillingness to spend big on Davies in the circumstances, a tactic they unsuccessfully used with Lille and Leny Yoro before the centre-back joined Manchester United. Yet competition for Davies appears to be less fierce, with those that have shown interest in him – Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea – believing his preference is the Bernabeu.