David Alaba's future at Real Madrid hangs in the balance as the 32-year-old defender faces yet another injury setback. Currently sidelined due to a meniscus tear in his left knee, Alaba's situation has prompted speculation about a potential return to his former club, Bayern Munich, where he spent 13 successful years.
Alaba's injury woes have been significant; he missed the entire calendar year of 2024 after suffering a severe injury in December 2023, which included a cruciate ligament tear. This season, he has made just seven appearances in La Liga and a total of only 14 matches across all competitions, raising eyebrows about his future at the club.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid considers Alaba's annual salary of around 20 million euros too steep, especially given his limited contributions due to injuries. The Munich boulevard newspaper, tz, has reignited rumors of a possible reunion between Alaba and Bayern, a club where he established his reputation as a top-tier footballer.
Alaba's market value has plummeted dramatically, dropping from 65 million euros in 2019 to just 10 million euros today. When he transferred from Bayern to Madrid in 2021, his market value was still a respectable 55 million euros. The question now is whether Bayern would consider bringing him back despite his injury history and advancing age.
As speculation swirls, Alaba's presence on the pitch has been sorely missed. His performances helped Real Madrid secure multiple national titles and the coveted UEFA Champions League since his move to Spain. Yet, as he continues to recover from his latest setback, the prospect of him returning to Bayern is uncertain.
Recent reports indicate that Bayern is not currently pursuing Alaba, focusing instead on bolstering their squad with younger talents like Florian Wirtz. However, the departure of Eric Dier to AS Monaco has left a gap in the defense, prompting Bayern to seek reinforcements.
Alaba's contract with Real Madrid runs until 2026, and he has expressed a desire to stay with the club. However, if a suitable offer comes in, Madrid may be willing to let him go. "At this point, my focus is on recovery and getting back on the field as soon as possible," Alaba stated in a recent social media post, showcasing his optimism despite the challenges.
The situation is further complicated by Bayern's pressing needs in defense. With Alphonso Davies out for an extended period due to a cruciate ligament injury and Hiroki Ito facing a lengthy recovery from multiple metatarsal fractures, Bayern is in dire need of a strong defensive presence. Alaba, who played 431 competitive matches for Bayern from 2010 to 2021, could fit that bill, providing both experience and familiarity with the club.
While the idea of Alaba returning to Bayern is enticing for fans, the club's management remains focused on other priorities. The need for a commanding defender has become more urgent following injuries to key players like Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim. Bayern's strategy seems to center around securing younger, fit players who can contribute immediately.
As it stands, Alaba's future remains uncertain. His recent injury history raises questions about his fitness and ability to perform at the highest level consistently. However, should Bayern decide to explore the option of bringing him back, it could be a mutually beneficial arrangement, especially if he were to arrive on a free transfer.
In the meantime, Alaba is determined to make a full recovery. "The operation went well, and I'm looking forward to getting back on the field stronger than ever. Thank you for all the love and support; it means a lot to me," he shared with his followers, displaying his resilience and commitment to his career.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see if Alaba's path leads back to Bayern Munich. With both clubs navigating their own challenges, the coming months could be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of Alaba's storied career.
