Recent reports from Spanish media outlet AS suggest that Premier League giants Manchester City are keen on signing Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba in January as they have formally established contact with the defender’s agent, Pinhas Zahavi to enquire about the terms and possibilities of the move.
The Austrian international’s contract renewal negotiations didn’t go as planned, and with just six months remaining on his contract, the defender has a chance to leave for free next summer.
“Bayern did everything we could to try and reach an agreement. We had a lot of conversations, but we wanted answers from him by the end of October. What I want to be clear about is that our offer showed exactly how much we value him, but he didn’t accept it. He’s free to speak to whoever he wants from January 1.” – Bayern’s chief executive, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, revealed.
The report from AS further states that David Alaba wants to be on the same pay scale as Robert Lewandowski (12 million Euros per year), and that’s the main reason why the deal didn’t go through.
What Will The Austrian International Bring To The Table?
David Alaba is the very definition of a modern-day fullback – versatile, agile, athletic, and consistent. The credit for his evolution partly goes to Pep Guardiola, who took the promising midfielder under his wings when he was around 21 and transformed him into an attacking left-back, developing his all-around capabilities. Having made 11 starts this season, the Bayern star averages 1 tackle, 1.3 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, and 0.6 passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. The numbers might not fascinate you at first sight, especially if you draw a parallel with Joao Cancelo or Andrew Robertson’s stats, but then Alaba rarely gets to start as a left-back these days due to the presence of highly-coveted Alphonse Davies. Instead, the Austrian international gets deployed more often in the centre back role, partnering either Sule or Boateng at the heart of Bayern’s defence.
While the 28-year-old has never been too dominant physically, his deftness in passing and quick understanding of certain in-game situations permit him to play a crucial role irrespective of his position on the pitch. David Alaba’s trophy cabinet consists of 2 Champions League titles, 9 Bundesliga titles, 6 DFB Pokals, 5 German and 2 UEFA Super Cups. Hence, it’ll be an understatement to say that he can bring the ‘much needed’ experience to the City squad.
(Stats from WhoScored)
Should Guardiola Go In For Him?
The Alaba-Pep reunion certainly sounds melodramatic, but we don’t think the move makes much sense until the Spaniard wants him to take up a midfield role. Yes, one has to agree that he’s more accomplished than any of the left-backs in the current City squad; however, having signed Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake last summer, splashing the cash on yet another defender in January seems quite preposterous.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see who Pep Guardiola decides to sign, should he choose to add to his options at the back.
