Real Madrid are reportedly keen on securing the services of David Alaba on a free transfer in next summer’s transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, David Alaba has piqued the interest of Real Madrid over a Bosman move next summer. The Austrian international is at an impasse with Bayern Munich over a new deal and could leave the Bundesliga champions on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Alaba joined Bayern Munich from Austria Wien in the summer of 2008. Initially a part of the club’s youth setup, the versatile Austrian broke into the first-team squad midway through the 2009/10 season. And after a short-term loan with Hoffenheim, the player has not looked back, becoming an integral part of the senior setup at Allianz Arena.
Over the past decade or so, Alaba has raked in nearly 400 appearances for Bayern Munich, with a handy contribution of 31 goals and 49 assists in these outings while also winning every trophy the Bundesliga giants have competed for in the period. However, it looks like Alaba’s time at Bayern could be about to come to an end, and Real Madrid are interested.
Alaba is currently at loggerheads with the Bundesliga champions over the terms of his new deal, with his current contract set to expire next summer. With a renewal seeming to be an unlikely eventuality as things stand, the 28-year-old has reportedly been offered to Real Madrid, who are now reciprocating the interest.
Zinedine Zidane currently has two left-backs at his disposal in Marcelo and Ferland Mendy, with the latter becoming the first-choice over the past year. However, with Marcelo in the twilight of his illustrious career, Real Madrid could perhaps make do with a player of Alaba’s quality.
The Austrian international could even be a solution at the heart of the Real Madrid defence, where Eder Militao does not seem to have impressed Zidane a great deal. With Ramos on the wrong side of 30, Alaba could potentially be used in a similar role that he reprises at Bayern Munich.
Alternatively, he could also be a rotation option for Casemiro, having played a defensive midfielder a number of times in his career as well. All in all, Alaba could be a handy option for Zidane, which is why it is not surprising that Real Madrid are considering a possible Bosman move for him.
The report also suggests that Los Blancos might accelerate the operation and make a move for him in January, although it will be interesting to see if Bayern Munich let a key player depart midway through the season or risk letting him join Real Madrid for free next summer.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has claimed that the 28-year-old will not be with the Bundesliga champions beyond the current season, although CEO Karl-Heinz Rumenigge has contradicted such a notion. For now, it looks like Real Madrid could be in for Alaba, whose next destination might be the Spanish capital.
