Barcelona are reportedly plotting a summer move for Bayern Munich superstar David Alaba in order to reinforce the left side of their defence.
According to Spanish publication AS, Barcelona are looking to reinforce the left side of their defence. And reports suggest the Catalans are exploring the possibility of bringing Bayern Munich superstar David Alaba over to the Nou Camp in the summer and are ready to bankroll a move for the Austrian international.
David Alaba has often been hailed as one of the most flexible and industrious footballers in world football. The Austrian international joined Bayern Munich as a youngster and has since established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.
It is David Alaba’s ability to take the field as a left-back, centre-back, defensive midfielder and a left midfielder that has seen him become one of the go-to players for every Bayern manager.
Only 25 years of age, Alaba has already amassed 286 senior appearances for Bayern while also racking up 58 international appearances for Austria. His international record is better, with the player having scored 11 goals in the given matches, compared to just 25 goals and 35 assists for Bayern Munich.
Barça are monitoring Austrian full back David Alaba. He will be an expensive signing as hid contract runs till 2021. [as] pic.twitter.com/OoRlcaOIBY
— Catalan Edition (@CatalanEdition) January 31, 2018
It is his industrious nature that has often seen him linked with a move to other top clubs, with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City all named as suitors for the player at different intervals of the defender’s career. And it seems Barcelona are eyeing a move for Alaba at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.
Barcelona do have Jordi Alba and Lucas Digne in their squad right now, with Marc Cucurella also waiting in the wings to make it to the senior team. But, Alba and Digne have both been linked with move away from the club. The latter has been frustrated at playing second fiddle at Barcelona and could be looking to exit the club in the summer.
David Alaba’s arrival could mitigate not just Digne’s potential departure, but also cover the left flank for the better half of the next decade or so. However, there could be complications in the deal for Barcelona.
Alaba had signed an extension at Bayern Munich in 2016, a deal that sees him commit to the club till 2021. And Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has classified the player as one that is essential to the club, possibly ruling out the Austrian’s sale in the near future.
But, a hefty fee could change Bayern’s mind and help Barcelona land David Alaba, who himself could be looking for a new challenge after spending more than 6 seasons at Bayern Munich.
