Liverpool have reportedly made a lucrative contract offer to Bayern Munich star David Alaba as they look to beat Real Madrid to his signing in the summer.
According to Italian journalist Romero Agresti (h/t Express), Liverpool have made their first move to try and beat Real Madrid to the signing of Bayern Munich contract rebel David Alaba.
The 28-year-old has been an ever-present figure in the Bavarians’ lineup for a decade now, and has been a pivotal part of the success that they have enjoyed during the period. However, a parting of ways seems to be on the cards with the versatile defender’s contract set to run out at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich put forth a new offer on the table, which Alaba declined and is seemingly headed for an exit on a free transfer in the summer. The Austrian international’s situation at the Allianz Stadium has put the who’s who of European football on red alert, with Real Madrid believed to be at the forefront of the queue.
The La Liga champions could be in the market for a replacement for captain Sergio Ramos, whose contract is expiring at the end of the season. Furthermore, with Marcelo’s powers also on the wane, a new left-back could also be needed for Zinedine Zidane & co. making Alaba a perfect signing, given his ability to play in both positions.
In fact, Real Madrid are willing to offer the Bayern Munich star a pay packet worth €10 million per year in order to snap up his signing on a free transfer when his deal runs out. However, they are now set to face competition from Premier League champions Liverpool, who also are looking to sign up Alaba.
Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements is more urgent than that of Real Madrid owing to the long-term injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Fabinho has deputised well as a makeshift centre-back this term and youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have also done well, but the Reds are likely to bring in a new centre-half this month itself.
Even then, the chance of signing a proven winner like Alaba, who can play in multiple positions, on a free transfer no less, would certainly appeal to the Merseyside giants. To that end, Liverpool have offered the 28-year-old a contract worth £9 million-a-year for him to join as a free agent in the summer.
Bayern Munich, despite facing the prospect of losing him for nothing at the end of the season, are intent on keeping hold of Alaba for the rest of the campaign. With the defender now open to hold talks with clubs from abroad over a summer move, it will be interesting to see who among Liverpool and Real Madrid come out on top.
