David Alaba confirms he’ll stay with Bayern Munich next season
Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba confirms his intention to remain with the club next season despite recent transfer rumors.
Finally, some good news for Bayern Munich fans. In an interview with Bild, David Alaba had confirmed his intention to stay with the club for next season.
Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have recently shown interest in Alaba. The player’s father even spoke out the reigning European champion’s interest. However, Alaba’s comments in his recent interview should put any doubt about his future to rest.
"“I’m staying at FC Bayern. I have a contract until 2021 and I feel very comfortable in Munich.”(via Twitter’s @iMiaSanMia)"
The Austrian couldn’t have been any more clear with his message. He’s not going anywhere. And Bayern will remain all the better for it. Despite plateauing a bit in recent seasons, the 25-year-old is still one of the absolute best left-backs in the world.
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His undeniable talent and versatility make him a key player for Bayern Munich. Impending coach Niko Kovac might even make the Austrian’s versatility a central part of his tactical set-up next season. Kovac has utilized wingbacks to great effect during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, and David Alaba (along with Joshua Kimmich) would be a perfect fit for that position.
Even though Alaba confirmed his intentions to stay in Bavaria for next season, Bayern’s left-back situation still isn’t entirely solved. By all accounts, it seems Juan Bernat’s time in Munich has come to an end. A disappointing one at that.
The Spaniard has really failed to impress in recent seasons and is apparently one of a handful of players the club wouldn’t mind off-loading this summer.
There have been a few players linked as Bernat’s potential successor. Most recently, Barcelona’s Lucas Digne was reported as a target for the Bavarians. Just a day prior, it was reported that former Wolfsburg star Ricardo Rodriguez had found himself on Bayern’s radar.
No matter who the club brings in to replace Juan Bernat, they will have to accept the fact that a starting position will not immediately be their own. David Alaba has firmly established himself as die Roten‘s first choice left-back. Any newcomer will have to work extra hard to earn their spot.
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But a little competition isn’t so bad. In fact, it’s a good thing. Much of Alaba’s recent stagnation in development could likely be attributed to him having no real competition challenging him for a staring position week after week. A new signing could prove the motivation he needs to reach his best again.