Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has reportedly reached an agreement with Spanish giants Real Madrid over a possible summer transfer.
According to a recent report by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Bayern Munich starlet David Alaba could be on his way to join Real Madrid, as both the player and club have reached a verbal agreement over a summer transfer.
The 28-year-old has confirmed he intends to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season when his contract expires. In the last few weeks, his situation has allowed other European giants to pounce on the opportunity, given his superior quality, versatility, age and the fact that he will be available on a free transfer.
Alaba’s indomitable presence in the backline has always been key for the Bavarians over the past decade or so, with him playing a pivotal role in their success. The two-time Champions League winner possesses an engaging ability to adapt to any role on the pitch, which has given an extravagant flavour to his craft.
A number of top clubs across Europe, like Chelsea, Liverpool and even Barcelona have shown an interest in the Austrian international. But as the report states, Alaba is prioritising the move to Real Madrid, and to make this happen, Los Blancos must now be decisive in their task to snatch this player from their rivals.
Zinedine Zidane will need to strengthen his backline in the summer, as the Real Madrid manager is aware of the fact that he could lose two of his prime defenders. As for now, veteran Sergio Ramos is most likely to depart from the Santiago Bernabeu, with his contract running out at the end of the season.
Ramos’ exit could play a part in Raphael Varane’s future at the club as well, who is raring for a fresh challenge in his career. Thus, the potential addition of Alaba would become a crucial piece of business for the Merengues. To that end, as per Romano, they already have a verbal agreement with the 28-year-old and are on the verge of getting him to sign a pre-contract deal.
However, both Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown an interest in the Austrian international’s services and are hoping to convince Alaba to change his decision. The reigning Premier League champions’ issues at the back this season are well known and in their search for a top-class centre-back, they are considering Alaba as an essential target in the summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea under new manager Thomas Tuchel have been going through a fine patch. But, Thiago Silva, who has been a solid addition, is on the wrong side of 30 and will need to be phased out slowly. So, their interest in Alaba does make a lot of sense.
But, if the reliable Romano is to be believed, things don’t look good for both Liverpool and Chelsea, with Alaba agreeing a transfer to Real Madrid. What now remains to be seen is, whether he is all set to join Zinedine Zidane and co. or a drastic turn awaits to spice up this transfer saga.