- 20 Dec 2024
Rummenigge: The door is still open for Alaba to stay at Bayern
Stefan Bienkowski
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 2 min read
Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has hinted at the possibility of David Alaba signing a new deal with the Bundesliga side and staying beyond the end of this season.
Alaba’s representatives had been in discussion with the Bavarian club over an extension to his expiring contract until club president Herbert Hainer confirmed late last week that they had removed any offer to the player after his demands exceeded their expectations.
Yet, when asked about the dramatic breakdown in communication between both parties, Rummenigge opted to pour some cold water on the situation and instead suggested an agreement may still be worked out.
“David Alaba has been with FC Bayern for over twelve years, he has been an important player over the years,” Rummenigge told Sky Germany.
“He has won an incredible number of titles with us and has been a treble winner with us twice. It is important, too, that you put the quality of the player and also of the people in the right light.”
“If David wants to stay at FC Bayern, which I am not completely ruling out, the door is still ajar. Then you have to think about finding a path that is gentle on history for both parties.”
Bayern have, infamously, been known as a club that produce drama just as often as they produce title-winning sides and this most recent episode with Alaba’s representatives could suggest another incident is on its way.
Yet Rummenigge was quick to downplay any fears of Alaba’s potential departure leading to further outbreaks of disharmony in Hansi Flick’s squad.
“We had a year where we were hugging each other as much as possible,” said the club chairman.
“Now there is a topic that has a Hollywood character, but it is not as bad as that. The team is solid and has a great coach in Hansi Flick. As 2020 went, we’re a long way from FC Hollywood.”
