Bayern Munich and Alaba are reportedly far away from signing a new contract.
After clinching the treble last season, Bayern Munich will be focussing on continuing domination in Germany and Europe next campaign by improving the squad. The club also wants to secure the future of David Alaba, who was one of the key players for them last season.
Alaba currently has less than 12 months on his contract. During the Champions League knockout rounds in Lisbon last month, Rekordmeister held talks with Alaba’s representatives. The club hierarchy publicly expressed confidence about a contract renewal.
However, the latest report from Germany suggests that talks have stalled between both parties. According to SportBild (via Spox), Alaba and Bayern remain far apart on wages. This report insists that Alaba wants close to €20 million per year, but the German champions have offered €17 million, including bonuses.
Along with impasse in negotiations between two parties, SportBild also insists that Alaba would request a departure in this transfer window if no agreement is found for a new deal. The club also wouldn’t like to lose a defender of his quality to leave on a free transfer next summer.
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During the first treble win in 2013, he was left-back. In the second treble after seven years, Alaba had an equally important role, albeit in a different position. He was deployed in the heart of defense by Hansi Flick. The Austrian provided urgency while playing out from the back due to his crisp passing. Defensively, he was one of if not the best center-backs in Europe last season.
Alaba is not only a quality player but a sound leader in the locker room. The Austrian is one of the few senior players at the club that have enjoyed sustained success since coming through the youth ranks of the club. He has entered the peak years of his career, so his departure will be a big blow for the German Champions.
Die Roten should keep Alaba even if they fail to extend his contract. His contribution on the pitch is going to be vital next season. Lucas Hernandez is yet to impress, so having another reliable left-footed center-back in the squad is essential.
Alaba has been a top player for Rekordmeister for a long time. Keeping a player against wishes can be counter-productive, but Alaba has been a top professional during his time at the club. He would give 100% even if he is on the verge of leaving the club next summer. It is an unfortunate situation for Die Roten, but a lesson could be learned while handling future contractual negotiations.