Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has entered into the final year of his current contract with the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions, and as per reports, Paris Saint-Germain is looking to snap up the versatile Austrian once the transfer window opens.
Only a couple of days ago, PSG sporting director Leonardo confirmed that as many as three defenders will be departing the Parc des Princes this season, including veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva.
The former AC Milan center-back will become a free agent after this season’s Champions League campaign concludes, and PSG are pondering a move for Alaba to replace the outgoing player.
David Alaba: Player profile
The 27-year-old began his professional career with Bayern Munich’s youth academy and progressed through the ranks, before making his first-team bow in 2010.
Since then, he’s been a mainstay in the club’s success over the years.
Alaba is an incredibly talented defender, who is able to play at left-back and as a centre-back as well.
The Bavarians endured an injury crisis this season, with the Australian seamlessly filling in at centre-back, racking up 36 appearances across all competitions.
During his stay at the Allianz Arena, the defender has also played at midfield at times, which makes him an extremely versatile prospect, whom Paris Saint-Germain are willing to cash in on.
The Parisians have been in the hunt for a full-back as well, given both Layvin Kurzawa and Thomas Meunier are expected to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.
So, signing Alaba would solve two of their problems heading into the next season.
PSG join race for David Alaba’s signature
Given that the player has entered the last 12 months of their current deal, Bayern Munich have been trying to tie him down to a long-term contract.
Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic made it clear that the club wants to keep hold of David Alaba at all costs.
“We are very happy with how David has developed this season. He makes the defence boss and has become a personality.
“We have already had a few conversations and will continue to talk to each other, but at the moment we are all concentrating on the sporting side. Everything in its time – we will try everything and I think all parties know what they have in common. David knows what he has at Bayern and vice versa, of course.”
Hasan Salihamidzic
As per reports, La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been credited with showing interest in the versatile defender, with PSG emerging as the latest suitor.
Why a move to PSG would suit both parties?
It has already been confirmed that Thiago Silva, Thomas Meunier and Layvin Kurzawa will be released by the Ligue 1 champions after their Champions League campaign.
If they are successful in their chase for David Alaba, it would save PSG a lot of money (not that they have a lack of it), because the Bayern Munich man can seamlessly slot in anywhere across the defence line.
His versatility has been at full display this season, and given the fact that he’s still only 27, and entering his peak years, David Alaba becomes a very tempting prospect not just for Thomas Tuchel and company, but for various European elites too.
Having said that, the coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on the finances of the majority of the top clubs, and that could be one reason why Bayern haven’t received an official offer for the player as such.
The verdict:
After winning everything with Bayern Munich, perhaps its time for David Alaba to take on a new challenge. Thomas Tuchel knows all about the player, having watched him from close quarters during his managerial stint at Borussia Dortmund.
PSG have amassed a young and exciting roster, and David Alaba’s addition would certainly elevate the Parisians further.
All stats courtesy: Transfermarkt.co.in