Liverpool have been vulnerable at the back this season and could strengthen this summer
David Alaba has confirmed his impending departure from Bayern Munich.
One of the world’s most highly-rated defenders, his time at the Bundesliga champions will come to an end when this season is over.
The 28-year-old will bring the curtain down on 13 years at the club when his contract expires in June, and there is a queue of European giants reportedly keen to land him on a free transfer.
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano posted a tweet on Monday night claiming that the Bernabeu is his likeliest destination, but suggested that Liverpool and Chelsea are both keen to pip Real Madrid to his signature.
Alaba, who has earned 76 caps for the Austrian national team, arrived at Bayern as a youth in 2008 and has gone on to make 415 appearances for the club.
As quoted by the official Bundesliga website in October 2019, his Bayern team-mate Joshua Kimmich hailed Alaba as one of the greatest centre-backs in the world.
He said: “He’s outstanding for me as a left-back, but I think he’s one of the best in the world at centre-back.
“I’ve told David that. His body language is amazing, he has great build-up play and keeps calm under pressure.”
Alaba revealed his plans at a press conference on Tuesday. As quoted by the Daily Mail, he said: “I decided to do something else after this season, to leave the club.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, I’ve been here for 13 years and the club is very important to me.
“Of course I took my time, after 13 years it’s not an easy decision. I then decided for myself to try something new, a new challenge.
“It took time. I have not decided yet where I’m going.
“It’s no secret that my management is in contact with other clubs. The rest will be decided in the future.”
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