Bayern Munich is adopting a different approach to replace Alaba.
As the weeks are passing by, it is becoming clear that there is no scope of re-negotiation between David Alaba and Bayern Munich regarding a new contract. The German club withdrew their last offer after Alaba reportedly remained firm on his wage demands.
Since the opening of the winter transfer window, the noise around Alaba’s next move has increased. According to Fabrizio Romano and Marca, Real Madrid is in the driving seat to sign Alaba. The two parties are holding talks, but there is still a long way to go in terms of completing the deal. Romano also confirmed that Alaba had been approached by five clubs, but he is keen on joining Real Madrid.
With Alaba negotiating a transfer for summer, Die Roten needs to start exploring plans to replace the veteran Austrian defender. The German club can sign a center-back straightaway since Alaba has been playing in this position during the last two seasons or get a left-back and move Lucas Hernandez permanently in the central defense.
It feels like Die Roten is thinking about using the second option. According to The Daily Telegraph, Bayern wants to make a move for Reading full-back Omar Richards. The 22-year-old left-back has only six months left on the current deal, so he will be arriving on a free transfer in summer. This report insists that Bayern has extensively scouted Richards and informed Reading that they want to hold talks with the player.
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Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted a few days ago that spending big money on players will be difficult next summer since games are still being played behind closed doors. The signing of Richards completely aligns with the club’s thinking about spending less next summer.
Moreover, the market for central defenders is complex. Dayot Upamecano is the only top-class proven defensive talent that will be available for a fairly decent price. The German Champions invested heavily in Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard 18 months ago, so they might be reluctant to sign Upamecano despite his immense quality.
Hernandez has shown in the past for Atletico Madrid that he can excel in the central defense. The Frenchman has largely played as a full-back in the last couple of seasons, but his primary position remains central defender.
Moreover, Alphonso Davies enjoyed a breakthrough 2019/20 campaign in the left-back position. Richards will be tasked to deputise Davies if this transfer goes through. Die Roten has to be creative in the market, so this could be the first of many shrewd transfers they might complete next summer. On paper, it makes sense and it is a win-win situation for the club while signing young players on free transfers.