Bayern Munich defender attracting interest from Manchester City
Bayern Munich defender emerges as a transfer target for Manchester City.
Bayern Munich will need to bolster central defense next summer as the future of two experienced defenders is uncertain. David Alaba is seemingly on his way out as the German Champions are no longer negotiating a contract extension with the defender.
After spending close to ten years in Bavaria, Alaba will be leaving the club on a free transfer next summer. The Austrian defender can sign a pre-contract agreement with his next club during the winter transfer window. Real Madrid has emerged as the front runners for his signature, but an English club is reportedly also keenly following Alaba.
According to Fussball Transfers (via Sport Witness), Manchester City is keeping close tabs on Alaba’s situation. Pep Guardiola has previously worked with Alaba, so the interest from the English club is understandable. This report also insists that Alaba and Guardiola enjoyed a good relationship during the Spaniard’s time in Bavaria.
Previous reports have suggested that Alaba favours a move to Spain, so it will take serious efforts to lure him if Real Madrid is also in the race. Alaba may get an opportunity to play in the midfield at Man City since they have very strong three center-backs already in the squad. The lure of playing in midfield could work in City’s favour.
More from Bayern Strikes
- Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
- Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
- Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl
Since wages have been the stumbling block for a new contract at Die Roten for Alaba, Pini Zahavi will be looking to get the best wage package. Moreover, free transfers will be significant deals next summer since clubs are still struggling financially due to the lack of matchday revenue since March. This is the last big contract for Alaba, so he is likely to stick to his wage demands.
Manchester City has the reputation of spending big on players every summer, so the wages of Alaba are unlikely to be an issue for them. Real Madrid has been asking players to take wage cuts this year, so it will be intriguing to see whether they come up with acceptable terms for Alaba.
Bayern’s resolve for sticking to a fixed wage structure is commendable. They might be losing a top player, but the negotiations with younger players will be much easier after they didn’t agree to Alaba’s wage demands.
Next. Top three Bayern moments of an eventful 2020. dark
Alaba has no plans to leave in January for a nominal fee. He is eager to achieve success with Die Roten this season. It doesn’t make sense for Bayern to sell him in January, as finding a replacement in the winter market could be difficult.