David Alaba admits he could leave Bayern Munich in the future
Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba “can imagine” leaving the Bundesliga in the future to play in either the Spanish or English top flight.
There will be many departures at Bayern Munich this summer, as the club makes room for younger players to take the mantle. The dressing room will lack some experience, but many of the squad’s current corps of players nearing the prime of their career will have the opportunity to step up as leaders. David Alaba, for example, is likely to become a key member of the Bayern’s leadership in the dressing room next season.
Alaba has been one of the biggest success stories of Bayern’s youth academy in the past decade. The Austrian has been a mainstay of Bayern’s squad ever since climbing through the ranks at Sabener Strasse. He is still considered one of the best left-backs across Europe, despite his dip in form during the last two seasons. Speaking recently to Sport Bild (via Daily Mail), Alaba admitted he could see himself playing elsewhere in the future, despite being happy at Bayern. The 26-year-old further added that Spain or England would be his most likely landing spot.
"“I can imagine trying something else, but I really feel very comfortable at Bayern.“Every year there a new challenges and new objectives and the pressure will always be there. I’m happy in Munich. But of course, I can imagine seeing something else [in the future].”"
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Beyond saying he could see himself in England, Alaba also admitted that he is a fan of London-based club Arsenal and has been since a child. The Austrian has previously revealed his desire to explore a different club in the future, but Bayern Munich shouldn’t be worried about his quotes right.The Austrian full-back will almost definitely play through his prime years in Munich. His current contract will expire in 2021, but it’s likely Die Roten try to tie him down to a new deal sooner rather than later.
Real Madrid were reportedly interested in Alaba last summer, but Bayern were unwilling to negotiate over one of their best players. He has racked up more than 300 appearances for the Bavarians since making his debut way back in 2009, and he has won every possible trophy with the club since then. His most memorable season at Bayern was the historic treble in 2013, in which he played a key role despite being just 21 years old.
Alaba was at his absolute best under Jupp Heynckes in the latter’s two-year tenure at Bayern from 2011 to 2013. However, the Austrian’s versatility in defense was best utilized under Pep Guardiola. After the Spanish coach’s departure in 2016, Alaba endured a couple of inconsistent seasons under Carlo Ancelotti.
He has still not reached his best form but under Niko Kovac, but Alaba has looked the most consistent defender in Bayern’s back line this season. His performance against Liverpool at Anfield was impressive, as he came across a formidable forward in Mohamed Salah.
Next. Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches hints at a summer exit. dark
Bayern will add more competition at left-back this summer if they succeed in signing Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid. Though the Frenchman is more naturally a center-back, he has mainly played at left-back for club and country in recent seasons. His arrival will push Alaba to perform even better, in order to keep his place in starting lineup. Alaba will remain a pivotal player for the next few years, so his desire of experiencing a new league is unlikely to be fulfilled anytime soon.