There has been speculation for months, now it’s official: David Alaba is continuing his career with Spanish soccer champions Real Madrid. The “royal” announced the agreement with the 28-year-old on Friday, the Viennese received a five-year contract. Alaba could replace Real veteran Sergio Ramos as central defender, as he has not yet extended his expiring contract.
Alaba has always worked for Bayern since July 2008, with the exception of a six-month loan guest appearance at 1899 Hoffenheim. After his rise to the professional level, the Viennese won 27 titles and left Bavaria as the German record champions (10). Despite the success, talks about an extension of the expiring contract of the versatile 79-time ÖFB team player in Munich failed and caused a lot of dust.
In November, Bayern’s executive suite withdrew its offer of contract to Alaba, who had been converted into defense chief in the previous year, after the latter and his advisor Pini Zahavi allowed a deadline set by the club for approval to pass. It failed because of the salary expectations of both sides. Since January 1st, Alabas management has been able to negotiate with other associations. In reality, the time was not wasted.
Change not surprising
The move to Spain was not really a surprise, as Austria’s seven-time and current footballer of the year had emphasized several times in the past that he would like to play at one of the top clubs in Spain. According to various media reports, Real also outperformed English greats such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City in the race and won the race.
This is not the only reason why Real is facing a change – in addition to the future of Sergio Ramos, there is also speculation about further exits and additions. In addition, top performers such as Karim Benzema (33 years old), Luka Modric (35) and Alaba’s ex-Bayern colleague Toni Kroos (31) are getting on in years, and a certain renovation is likely to take place.
Last season was untitled for Real. In the league they finished second behind Atletico Madrid, in the Champions League they were eliminated in the semifinals against Chelsea, and in the Cup it was an embarrassing 1: 2 after extra time against third division Alcoyano in the third round.
It will be some time before Alaba gets to know his new club colleagues. The ÖFB star completed the first preparatory training for the EM 2021 in Bad Tatzmannsdorf on Friday afternoon, shortly before the change became official. According to Spanish media reports, Alaba was still in Madrid on Tuesday and Wednesday and was looking for a place to stay Real training center have inspected.
Second Austrian at Real
Alaba is the second ÖFB kicker that is used in the Real professional team. Philipp Lienhart, who is now playing for Freiburg, came on the field as a substitute in the Cup game against Cadiz in December 2015, but did not get a chance in the league. Lienhart played in the Spaniard’s offspring from 2014 to 2017. The coach of the second team at the time was Zinedine Zidane, who only announced his departure as head coach from the record Champions League winner on Thursday.
