The biggest setback for Bayern Munich during the winter transfer window was always going to be David Alaba sealing a move to the next club. The Austrian defender is no longer in talks with the club over a new deal, so he will be leaving the club in the summer for nothing. Alaba is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club in January.
It looks like Alaba’s next destination is set to be Real Madrid. According to Fabrizio Romano, the talks between Alaba and Real Madrid are close to a conclusion. He also confirmed that Liverpool made a big offer for Alaba, but the player was always inclined towards joining the Spanish giants.
Marca in Spain went one step ahead and reported that Alaba has already undergone medical to sign a four-year deal worth €11 million per year. The Spanish publication has been reporting about Real Madrid’s interest in the versatile defender for a long time.
Meanwhile, the reports in Germany suggest that nothing has been agreed upon at all. Alaba’s father has told SportBild that nothing has been agreed yet. On the other hand, Kicker is reporting that multiple clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, have been in talks with representatives of Alaba.
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Alaba’s move to Madrid looks like a matter of time
Considering Alaba’s father has admitted Madrid’s interest in the past, it does feel like they are just calming down things in media before everything is done. The reports in Germany have always suggested that Alaba prefers a move to Spain rather than England.
From Bayern’s perspective, they are not making any profit or loss on Alaba. He came through the academy and won everything possible with the German club. However, that doesn’t mean Bayern wouldn’t have liked him to sign a new deal. At the age of 28, there are at least four more years left in Alaba’s peak. He is an outstanding versatile player, so Die Roten will miss him.
The German Champions will be hoping that Alaba’s next move becomes official as soon as possible. The clarity about his future will give Alaba to focus much better in the present by helping Bayern to defend the Bundesliga and CL titles.
Since the slim hope of extending his contract is gone, Bayern will have to start looking for a replacement for Alaba. The club is reportedly in talks with Omar Richards from Reading FC. Richards arrival will increase depth in the left-back position and allow Lucas Hernandez to play in the heart of the defense.