David Alaba will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season after refusing to extend his contract at the Allianz Arena.
Alaba climbed up the ranks at Bayern Munich, for whom he made his senior debut in February 2010. Fast forward ten years, the 28-year-old Austrian is one of the symbols of the club and an indispensable first-team player. The versatile defender has made over 400 competitive appearances for the Bavarian club, winning 23 major trophies along the way.
Despite being held in high regard by the Bayern hierarchy, Alaba has refused to pledge his long-term future to the red jersey. His current deal with the reigning Bundesliga title-holders runs out at the end of the season. As such, the attacking-minded left-back will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement to join foreign clubs already this January.
The news about Alaba’s reluctance to extend his stay in the Bundesliga has set numerous European top teams on red alert. Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus, Barcelona, and Real Madrid have all taken an interest in the outgoing Bayern ace. As reported by Spanish publication Marca, Los Blancos are at the front of the queue after taking initial steps towards completing the deal.
Alaba’s wage demands have scared Bayern off the negotiating table. However, Real have no problems indulging the player’s expectations and have already tabled a four-year contract for the Austria international worth €10million per year. Well aware of the interest in their transfer target from all across Europe, the defending La Liga champions are looking to act fast to avoid drawn-out negotiations.
Zinedine Zidane has found Alaba’s characteristics and versatility too important to be looked away. Indeed, the left-footed player can provide cover on the left-back position but is equally well suited in playing as a central defender. Like that’s not enough, Alaba is also comfortable with deputing as a deep-lying midfielder.
Though they face stiff competition in this race, Real Madrid are confident of coming out on top. There’s no reason for them not to be, as Santiago Bernabeu has always been a dream destination for top players.
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