The much-awaited transfer of David Alaba from Bayern Munich to Real Madrid was finally completed late on Friday. The 28-year old will join the Spanish giant on a free transfer since his contract at Bayern expires on June 30.
Comunicado Oficial: Alaba.#RealMadrid | #WelcomeAlaba
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 28, 2021
David Alaba first made his debut for Bayern Munich in 2010. Since his debut, Alaba has been one of the most consistent players for Rekordmeister in multiple positions. He left the club after winning ten Bundesliga titles. Along with Bundesliga titles, he is also a two-time Champions League winner and has six DFB Pokal medals to his name. The Austrian defender was part of two treble-winning squads at Bayern.
Alaba is a versatile footballer as he started out his career as a left-back, but slowly he shifted in central defense. Even this season, he also played some games as a defensive midfielder. His signing is a big coup for Real Madrid as he’s an experienced player, who can operate in three positions at a world-class level. Los Blancos are likely to part ways with Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane this summer, so the arrival of Alaba will provide experience and quality in the squad.
Bayern wanted to extend Alaba’s contract, but they couldn’t reach an agreement with his representatives. The German club eventually withdrew all their offers in October. Bayern had reportedly offered €16 million gross salary, but Alaba had much higher demands. At Real Madrid, the Austrian defender will reportedly earn €25 million gross salary. It is a monumental salary offered by Real Madrid in the pandemic era.
Manchester City, Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain, Liverpool, and Chelsea were reportedly interested in the Austrian defender. He reportedly had his heart set on a move to Spain, so the transfer to Real Madrid looked like a matter of time.
Bayern Munich has signed French international Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig as Alaba’s replacement. The German Champions will use Lucas Hernandez in the heart of the defense consistently after the departure of Alaba.