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There are few reports out of various outlets in Europe suggesting that Manchester City and Real Madrid want to bring Dante in to solidify their defenses. And, quite frankly, why wouldn't they? Dante has shown over the last few years that he is an elite centerback in world football.
Real Madrid want to bring Dante to the Bernabeu if you believe the reporting done by SportsDirect News. While only three points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Real need to improve their defense to better position themselves to challenge for trophies this year and in the future. Dante does turn 31 in 2014, so he's not a long term replacement. However, Real has never been a "long term" club, and the Brazilian would suit their needs immediately. Plus, the article suggests that their starting bid would be north of €24 million. Never hurts to listen, right?
The Manchester City link comes from Sport Bild. They suggest that Dante's performances in the Confederations Cup over the summer caught the eye of the English club, and they've been interested in him every since. The International Business Times then goes as far as to say that Dante would be a replacement for Joleon Lescott. Well, I'd certainly hope so. Lescott isn't half as good as Dante.
However, there's a big difference in "wanting a player" and "getting a player". Bayern are not selling any players that play regular minutes in January, so there is zero chance of either deal happening until at least the summer. Plus, Dante's current contract is through the summer of 2016, so for Dante to leave the club before then, one of two things would have to happen.
- Dante demands to leave
- Pep Guardiola decides that Dante is no longer necessary
Regardless of Dante's recent dip in form from last season's stellar campaign, I'll take the stance that he'll be here at least through the summer of 2015. At that point in his career, maybe he'll want to hang around FC Bayern and fulfill the Daniel Van Buyten role? We should never say never for Bayern, because we know, while the club is loyal to their players, they won't let that loyalty adversely affect the team on the field. If Dante isn't up for competing at a world class level in a few years, the board will find someone that is prepared to play that position.
