Real Madrid currently the favorites to sign David Alaba?

Several big clubs are interested in signing Bayern Munich’s David Alaba for free, but are Real Madrid distinguishing themselves as the leaders?

David Alaba has six months left on his contract, so Real Madrid could sign him on a contract expiry for the 2021-2022 season without having to send a cent to Bayern Munich. The defender asked Bayern for 12 million euros in a new contract, but Die Roten balked at that asking price, leading to the Bavarian giants allowing Alaba to walk.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have long been seen as the two favorites to sign Alaba in terms of the player’s own wishes, as he seems to favor a move to Spain. Between the two clubs, Barça are in an even more difficult financial situation, so while they have a greater need for the player, they might not be serious contenders to sign the Austrian international.

But Los Blancos have their own financial troubles in this economy and must save up for more important targets in the attack. So spending 12 million euros on Alaba’s salary likely isn’t realistic, unless if they need to replace Sergio Ramos. And who wants to stare that scenario in the face?

According to a report from MARCA’s Hugo Cerezo, in spite of all of this, Real Madrid are currently “at the front of the queue” among the other big clubs to sign David Alaba on a free transfer. PSG, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea are the clubs Cerezo mentions as being behind Real, but we’ve also seen Alaba linked to Manchester United and, of course, Barcelona.

Alaba was one of the Bundesliga’s best center backs last season, as injuries forced Bayern to lean on him in the middle with Alphonso Davies playing at a world-class level at left back. And Alaba was world-class in his own right, even at a position that isn’t his first choice. This season, he’s had to play in midfield again due to injuries, though he hasn’t looked quite as good, to be honest.

Still, Alaba’s versatility could be a big boost to Real Madrid, and he has plenty of experience under pressure in huge matches for the record Bundesliga champions. It’s hard to see how Real have a greater chance at signing him in comparison to the financial flexibility of Chelsea, PSG, and City, but if Alaba REALLY wants a move to Madrid, then maybe there is no bidding war, as MARCA implies, and he chooses Zinedine Zidane over the rest.