In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is on Barcelona‘s radar ahead of a potential move next year. It is understood that the Austrian talent prefers not to pen a new deal with the Bavarian giants which could open the door for the Catalans to snap him up in the future (via Mundo Deportivo).
Alaba’s Successful Season At Bavaria
The Wien-born player has performed at top gear at the heart of Hans-Dieter Flick’s defence over the past 12 months. His incredible performance in the middle of the backline had helped the Bavarian giants win the Bundesliga title and the UEFA Champions League crown last season.
Alaba has rediscovered himself in the centre-back position and made 42 appearances for the German champions in the previous campaign, registering two goals and two assists in various competitions. The Austrian defensive ace deserves a lot of plaudits for averaging 1.1 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.7 shots and 0.7 key passes per game in the 2019-20 Bundesliga season. The 28-year-old even distributed the ball immaculately out from the back after completing 90.7% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
With less than a year remaining on his current contract at the Allianz Arena, the Bavarian outfit will have no choice but to let him go for free if they fail to reach an agreement with the player over a contract extension. Thus, it is only logical for Barca to try and land Alaba next year as he is perfectly suited to play in Ronald Koeman’s style of possession-based football at the Nou Camp.
What Will The Austrian International Bring To Catalonia?
Alaba still has decent pace in his locker and is not afraid to play his way out from the back when given time and space in the opposition half. He excels at making recovering runs at the back and hardly gets beat in a 1v1 foot race inside his half.
The 73-time Austrian international has transformed himself into a good interceptor of the ball as he can scan the danger quickly and keep things solid in defence. He is also a great athlete and seems to be playing some of the best football of his career right now.
Alaba will instil a winning mentality to the Barca dressing room and is experienced enough to handle the growing expectations at the Nou Camp in the coming seasons. Therefore, Koeman should make it a priority to get the Austrian defender on board if he ends up on the free-agent market at the end of this campaign. At 28, Alaba still has plenty of time left in him to operate at a high level which makes him a brilliant option for Barca to consider in next summer’s transfer window.
