In a recent print edition, France Football has revealed that Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is open to joining Manchester City next summer. However, Pep Guardiola’s side can expect to face stiff competition in the form of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of the Austrian centre-back when his contract at the Allianz Arena expires at the end of this campaign (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Alaba’s Solid Form In Europe This Season
The Wien-born talent has enjoyed a solid start to this campaign after producing a series of dominant displays at the centre of Hans-Dieter Flick’s defence. Alaba has participated in ten matches for the Munich outfit this term, netting one goal and grabbing one assist in multiple competitions.
The 28-year-old has caught the eye with his performances in Europe as he is averaging 1.0 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 3.3 clearances and 0.7 key passes per game in the UEFA Champions League group stages so far. He has taken care of the ball well when distributing it out from the back as evidenced by his pass success rate of 88.8% in European football (stats via whoscored).
However, Bayern will have no choice but to let him go when his contract comes to an end next summer, which could open the door for Man City to recruit him. Real Madrid and Barcelona have both got financial constraints, so it won’t be feasible for them to compete with the Mancunian outfit if Guardiola decides to offer high wages to lure Alaba to the Etihad Stadium.
What Will The Austrian International Bring To The Table?
Alaba is renowned for being a set-piece specialist as he can strike the ball with a lot of venom. He has also got a great leap in him that allows him to outjump the opposition and win his fair share of aerial duels. More importantly, the 73-time Austrian international is quick to scan the danger and excels at making a few recovering runs at the back. He can even come to his side’s rescue by making some important interceptions and last-ditch clearances for his team.
A defender of Alaba’s quality, experience and winning mindset will undeniably improve the quality of any top team in Europe, including Man City. Bayern Munich are currently the Champions League holders, and Alaba has played a big role in helping them achieve that feat last season.
Hence, we can expect the Bundesliga star to instil a winning mindset in the Man City dressing room if Guardiola can find a way to secure his services on a free transfer next year. He will arguably be an immediate starter at the Etihad and could potentially form a commanding defensive partnership with Ruben Dias or Aymeric Laporte in the coming seasons. With all things considered, Man City should focus on putting in their best efforts to get the Austrian centre-half on board at the end of this campaign.
