BEVERLY HILLS, May 28, (THEWILL) – As THEWILL reported on April 20, Real Madrid have confirmed on Friday that former Bayern Munich defender, David Alaba, has moved to Real on a free transfer upon the expiry of his contract with the Bavarians.
Alaba announced in February that his journey with the champions of Germany was at an end as the 2020/2021 season was going to be his last at the Allianz Arena. It had been a glorious ride for the Austrian coming to the team from Die Roten’s youth set-up in 2008 and giving his best to see them to victories, trophies and titles.
It is for those steely contributions that La Liga giants Madrid have signed him on a five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu before a host of the rest of Europe’s elite clubs could make their moves. The 28-year-old experienced defender had suitors seeking his signature including the likes of big spenders Manchester City, and Chelsea, with Catalan bigwigs Barcelona included.
He opted to continue his football career with Real where the professional life that began with the club where he debuted as the club’s youngest player in history at the time, in February 2010, will continue to blossom further.
Alaba entered that 2010 game, a DFB-Pokal Cup meeting with Greuther Furth, as a 17-year-old and capped the memorable occasion with the sensation of setting up a goal for club French legend, Franck Ribery, within a minute of being subbed on. Alaba’s 17 years, seven months and 18 days old debut has now been upstaged by the record of new kid Jamal Musiala, the current club youngest debutant.
The defender notched up 448 appearances for the Bavarian juggernauts. He found the back of the net 35 times while registering 47 assists in all competitions in the club.
In an incredibly productive career in Germany, Alaba racked up 27 trophies, which included lifting the Bundesliga trophy 10 times and winning the Champions League twice – both of those European successes forming part of remarkable trebles, a beautiful way to end his story at the Munich club.
Real’s next manager will decide if Alaba, who will be presented as a Madrid player after the completion of his Euro 2021 campaign, will play alongside defending veteran Sergio Ramos next season, or if he will act as a replacement for the Real legend.
Ramos is out of contract next month, and has been left out of Spain’s squad for Euro 2020.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
