David Alaba confirmed on Tuesday that he is leaving Bayern Munich on a free transfer at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, ESPN reports.
The announcement comes after months of wrangling with the club over a pay raise. Alaba reportedly turned down a new five-year deal from Bayern, worth about £250,000-a-week including bonuses.
David Alaba to Leave Bayern Munich in the Summer
Defender Confirms the Departure
The Austrian international, who has made 415 appearances for the Bavarians, called a press conference the day after Bayern Munich’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Arminia Bielefeld.
“I have made the decision to try something new after this season and to leave the club,” Alaba said. “It was a difficult decision. I have been here for 13 years. I made so many memories here.”
During his time at the club, Alaba played a fundamental role in the Bayern squads that won nine Bundesliga titles, six DFB-Pokals, two Champions League finals and seven super cups.
Alaba Has Not Decided His Next Destination Yet
The 28-year-old is capable of filling a variety of different roles on the pitch and has attracted interest from several clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid.
However, Alaba has kept his cards close to his chest and did not say at the press conference where he would be going next.
“I have not decided what is next for me. I decided to seek a new challenge,” he said. “That’s why it took time. I have five, six, seven years left in my career. That’s why I decided to try something new.
“It’s no secret my management is in touch with several clubs,” he added. “I will focus on my task here and will remain in contact with my management.”
According to Christian Falk, chief football writer of German publication Bild, Alaba previously expressed his desire to play in the Premier League back in 2009 and was asked at the conference whether plying his trade in England was still of interest to him.
“A lot has happened since 2009,” he said. “Maybe I am now placing more value on other criteria.”
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Real Madrid Favourites to Sign the Austrian
Last week, sources close to the player told ESPN that Real Madrid were favourites to sign Alaba and are supposedly close to closing a four-year deal worth £400,000-a-week.
Marca has already reported that Alaba and Madrid have agreed to a deal, potentially making the Austrian the club’s first signing of the summer.
With the futures of both Raphaël Varane and Sergio Ramos in question at the Bernabeu, bringing in the experienced defender would be a smart bit of business for Los Merengues.
When probed about the possibility of playing in Spain, Alaba told reporters: “My Spanish is not good, but good enough for the pitch.”
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