Bayern Munich director talks about Real Madrid defender’s potential return

David Alaba’s days at Real Madrid are clearly numbered. The Austrian international’s current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, with no real plans of renewal.

Real Madrid are looking to move on from Alaba, who has struggled with injuries throughout the past couple of years.

While he has still remained a critical part of the Real Madrid dressing room, his impact on the pitch has been minimal.

But amid reports of Alaba possibly moving on to Saudi Arabia, Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund was recently asked about the Austrian’s potential return to Bavaria.

What Freund said about Alaba

Speaking to Sky Sports, Freund started by appreciated Alaba and his role in the Austrian national team, both as a leader and as an assistant coach.

“Even off the pitch he is a really good lad who does a lot of integration work on and off the field (…) He was always involved, including at the Euro‘s, supporting the team from the bench.

“He is an important point of contact for the coach, for this team, for the captain. At the moment, as a playing assistant coach, he is a hugely important factor,” he said.

Alaba enjoys legendary status at Bayern Munich. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

A native of Wien, Alaba spent 13 years at Bayern Munich before leaving the club in 2021, in favour of a move to Real Madrid.

During his time in Bavaria, Alaba played a key role in helping the team maintain its dominance in the Bundesliga while winning two Champions League titles.

Freund, though, admitted that Bayern have no plans to bring back Alaba as of yet, despite an imminent need for defensive reinforcements.

“There are no plans yet. But he shaped FC Bayern massively during his time here, he is a great lad and an intelligent guy who will also find a good path after his playing career.

But he still wants to play football for a while and take part in the World Cup with Austria,” he said.

Interestingly, Real Madrid have been linked with a move for Bayern’s star defender Dayot Upamecano, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Should Upamecano leave the club to join Real Madrid next summer, it will be interesting to see if Bayern open the door for Alaba to return to Bavaria.

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