Bayern Munich of Germany defender, David Olatokunbo Alaba has served up a strong hint that he is thinking of leaving the club this summer because he does not want to move as a free agent at the end of the season, megasportsarena.com reports.
Rather than allow his current contract run out and then intensify his hunt for a new club next summer, Alaba is reportedly keen to leave Munich during the ongoing transfer window simply because he wants the German Bundesliga champions to receive a fee for his transfer.
This comes amidst widespread reports that that the Nigerian-born Austria international, who is in the final year of his current contract, is unhappy with Bayern’s latest offer and could yet be on the move before the summer market shuts.
BILD reports further that the last meeting between the club and player was held on August 14, when Alaba’s father and advisor Georg as well as his agent, Pini Zahavi and Bayern’s director of sports, Hasan Salihamidzic spent time discussing the lad’s future at the team’s hotel.
However, while The Bavarians’ offer amounts to a base salary of €11m plus €6m in performance-related bonus payments, the 28-year-old left-back earns up to €15m at present and he considers an increase of two million too low and wants something close to €20m-a-year.
Consequently, with his existing deal at Allianz Arena due to expire next June, Alaba would be eligible to negotiate with any other foreign club in January 2021 and he could move on a free transfer; which he is now reportedly not keen on doing.
The report by Bild added: “Alaba is reluctant to leave for nothing next summer and wants Bayern to negotiate a transfer fee with interested clubs in the coming weeks. With everything at deadlock, there is now a growing chance that Bayern will choose to sell in the coming weeks.
“Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City are all monitoring developments closely. Manchester United have been linked with the Austria international, who is primarily a left-back but has largely operated as a central defender during the current season.
“Alaba has spent his entire professional career with Bayern, making close to 400 appearances in all competitions and winning nine Bundesliga titles. Last term, the defender contributed two goals and two assists in 42 appearances in all competitions as Hansi Flick’s team won the treble.”
