After 13 years of service, Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has confirmed that this will be his final season with the Bundesliga giants, bringing an end to his trophy-laden spell in Germany.
Speaking to the press earlier today, the Austrian ace confirmed what many knew was inevitable. With his current contract expiring this summer, the 28-year-old was destined to leave after failed attempts from the Bavarians to extend his deal.
The defender told reporters that he will be leaving Germany in search of a new challenge, having won every possible piece of silverware at the Allianz Arena. He has lifted 24 trophies so far, including the sextuple, and could add a few more titles to his belt by the end of the season.
"It was not an easy decision," Alaba told reporters in his press conference. "I have been here for 13 years and the association is really close to my heart. I am very grateful to the association for many things.
@David_Alaba: "I have made the decision to leave #FCBayern at the end of this season and try something new. It obviously wasn't an easy decision - I've been here for 13 years and the club means a lot to me."#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/XJXIkSvYzb
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 16, 2021
"I took my time because it's not an easy decision to make overnight. I decided to do something new - a new challenge. I haven't made the decision yet (on my new club), that remains to be seen.
"It's no secret that my management is in contact with several clubs. But a lot is being read into it and I want to concentrate fully on my task here.
"Money has not been a factor in my decision."
Having signed highly-rated RB Leipzig center-back Dayot Upamecano, Bayern Munich are already prepared for Alaba's departure. The attention now shifts to the Austrian talent's next destination, with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Man United, Man City, Liverpool, and Juventus said to be interested in his services.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, one of the aforementioned clubs have all but won the race for his signature and they are Los Blancos. The Italian journalist claims that while a pre-contract agreement has not been reached with the player, a verbal agreement has been struck. He will make the move to the Bernabeu on a four-year deal worth $14.5M per season.
The 'verbal agreement' between David Alaba is until June 2025 for €12m per season. The pre-contract has not been signed yet, Real Madrid hope to complete the deal in the coming weeks.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 16, 2021
Alaba received 5 different offers in the last 2 months from EPL and La Liga clubs. #Alaba https://t.co/cGI8s7cy0y