Rumour Mongering: Liverpool Interested in David Alaba, but Real Madrid Lead Race

Liverpool FC needs defenders. Badly. So, with David Alaba available on a free transfer this summer, we’re naturally going to get linked. According to Fabrizio Romano of The Guardian, Liverpool have made a push to sign David Alaba. However, Real Madrid is leading the pack in the race for the versatile 28-year old’s signature.

Real have reportedly offered Alaba a long-term contract, believed to be four or five years, with Alaba keen on signing, as it has been a dream of his to play for the club.

The twelve-year player for Bayern Munich is one of the most versatile players in football, having lined up at left-back and defensive midfield for the Bavarians, and left winger for the Austrian national team. With an injury crisis (hmm, sounds familiar) at centre-back last year, Alaba duly filled in and helped plug that position as Hansi Fllick’s team powered to a European Cup/Bundesliga/DFB Pokal treble.

Now, having yet another ultra-versatile world-class player ply his trade in this team would have surely been a treat, but it was always difficult to imagine Liverpool breaking its wage structure to accommodate Alaba, especially since Bayern broke talks with him over that exact same issue. A separate report from Goal.com also says that Real are keen on finalising a deal, but Alaba’s representatives - headed by Pini Zahavi - have informed them that Alaba wants a wage of €13 million ($16m/£12m) a season after tax. For comparison’s sake, Liverpool’s top earner, Mohamed Salah earns a £10,400,000 annually.

That would also mean that Alaba would be paid more than current Real-top dog Sergio Ramos (also a free agent to be) who is picking up €12 million ($15m/£11m) a season. Madrid are more comfortable with a package worth €10 million ($12m/£9m).

Whatever happens, it’s unlikely that Liverpool and David Alaba will come to an agreement. Move along, ladies and gents, nothing to see here.