Real Madrid have announced the signing of David Alaba. Alaba's contract with Bayern Munich ran out this season. The Austrian has been in Bavaria since he was 17 years old and has played for the first team for 11 seasons.
Alaba was first linked with Real Madrid in 2016 but Marcelo's consistent performances kept him out of Real Madrid's radar ever since. Since Alaba's commute to the centre of defence Real have regenerated their interest.
The Real Madrid board sees Alaba as a versatile player who can play on the left and the centre of defence and even in the Midfield occasionally. Marcelo has had a major dip in form and has been behind Ferland Mendy in the pecking order.
According to reports, Marcelo is certainly on his way out. That in addition to uncertainty around starting Center backs Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane's future makes David Alaba a perfect fit for Los Blancos.
Alaba in February announced his decision to leave Bayern Munich in search of a new challenge and a change. Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool were all interested in the defender's services. But Real Madrid won the battle for his signature.
Alaba now becomes one of the few players in the Real Madrid squad who is in his prime age-wise. The Austrian turns 29 in June which means that he will be on the top of his game for at least 3-4 years. Alaba will be 34 years old when his current deal expires which suits Real Madrid's policy of not giving long term contracts to players over the age of 33.
Reports in Spain claim that David Alaba's arrival was imminent and has nothing to do with the future of Ramos and Varane who still might end up staying at the Bernabeu. Marcelo is one player who is surely not in Real Madrid's plans anymore after inconsistencies for the past 2 seasons. Ferland Mendy who has been doing a great job at left-back will have competition in Alaba and so will the Center halves.
Real Madrid have also recently parted ways with manager Zinedine Zidane after a trophyless season. Real Madrid have suffered over 60 injuries this season which is a big reason for their failure to win a trophy. With Alaba comfortable in playing more than 1 position gives Los Blancos versatility.
Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and Joachim Low are candidates to replace Zidane. Alaba has taken a risk of joining the club without knowing the manager he is going to play under.
On a personal level, Alaba has had a very good couple of seasons under Hansi Flick who has mainly used Alaba as his 1st choice Center back. Alaba's primary position in Madrid is dependent on who the next Los Blancos manager will be.
Must Read | Five takeaways from La Liga 2020/21
