'Alaba is one of Bayern's pillars' - Hitzfeld hopes star will stay put

Ottmar Hitzfeld accepted selling David Alaba would make sense, but hopes Bayern Munich can convince him to stay put.

Alaba was a key member behind Bayern’s treble success this season and is, therefore, of interest to several top clubs around Europe, including Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and Chelsea.

The Austria international inserted himself as a center-back this season, developing a strong partnership with Jerome Boateng in the process. He even commands play from the back and is a pillar for Hansi Flick’s system.

Like Pep Guardiola in the past, the Bayern Munich coach has also exploited Alaba’s all-rounder abilities, namely in his ball skills to great effect.

With less than 12 months left on his contract, however, Bayern have a tricky decision to make. They could sell their prized asset now, or risk his contract running down while attempting to extend it.

All signs point to the former option at the moment, as Alaba is reportedly keen for a transfer away from the Bundesliga.

“Of course, he’s one of the pillars of the team and has been playing outstandingly for months. It was an excellent decision for Hansi Flick to move Alaba into central defense,” former Bayern boss Hitzfeld told Goal and SPOX.

“Whether he stays or not is certainly also a financial question. On the other hand, I think he knows how much he appreciates Bayern.”

Another player certain to leave Munich is Thiago Alcantara, who is reportedly set to join Liverpool next season.

“That is, of course, a loss for Bayern,” admitted Hitzfeld.

“After not always being able to call upon his [full repertoire of] skills at the beginning of the season, he has developed and improved a lot, like the entire team.”