Bayern Munich defender wanted by Manchester City
Bayern Munich defender David Alaba emerges as top target for Manchester City.
It has been a fast start for Bayern Munich in the transfer window. The window is yet to open but they have already concluded a big deal to bring Leroy Sane from Manchester City. The German club may once again negotiate with Man City when the window opens at the end of this month.
According to The Guardian, David Alaba has emerged as the top transfer target for Man City’s Pep Guardiola. The English club’s two-year Champions League ban was overturned on Monday, so Guardiola is eager to improve the defence by signing the Austrian defender.
The Austrian defender was reportedly proposed in a swap deal for Sane. However, that deal never materialized and Die Roten went on to sign Sane for a fairly decent fee. In the past, Alaba has been briefly linked with moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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Alaba has previously worked with Guardiola in Bavaria. The Spanish manager had used him in central defence on numerous occasions during his three-year stint at the club. Since Man City has struggled defensively this season, Alaba could turn out to be an astute signing to regain the Premier League title next season.
The Austrian defender has been tight-lipped about his future at the club. He reportedly appointed Pini Zahavi as his agent after the German club failed to agree on terms for a new deal. As things stand, he can leave Bavaria for nothing next summer.
Hansi Flick has been eager to keep Alaba at the club since he has been a vital player for him in the past eight months. The German manager used him in central defence due to serious injuries to other defenders. Alaba excelled in this role and helped the team to retain the league title and DFB Pokal. It will be a big blow for Flick if the Austrian leaves the club in summer.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently confirmed that the club will not allow Thiago Alcantara to leave the club on free transfer next year. The Spaniard has also rejected a new contract offer from the club. The club will have this stance for Thiago since they have enough quality in midfield. However, they may try to keep Alaba for one more year since Alphonso Davies is still learning in the left-back role, while Lucas Hernandez has struggled in his debut campaign.
Next. Bayern Munich may turn to PL for midfield additions. dark
Die Roten should keep hold off Alaba for one more season even if they lose him on a free transfer. He is at his peak right now and his contribution to the style of play Flick wants to implement is massive. Moreover, selling a top-class player to a European rival may come back to haunt the German club.