David Alaba officially confirms he will leave Bayern this summer

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 12 Aug 2021 13:54 BST
• 2 min read

David Alaba will leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer this summer, the player has confirmed.

In a press conference on Tuesday, the Austria international revealed his intention to move on to pastures new, having enjoyed a huge period of success with Bayern over the last 11 years.

Within the past 12 months, speculation has been rife surrounding Alaba and his contract with Bayern, which officially ends in June of 2021.

He had been locked in talks at the start of the campaign over a potential new deal, but negotiations broke down, with the player allegedly asking to become one of the club’s highest paid stars alongside the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Manuel Neuer.

As of 1 January, Alaba became available to talk to other clubs about a free transfer this summer.

It’s no secret that my management is in contact with other clubs. The rest will be decided in the future."

He has been most heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, though Barcelona, Chelsea, PSG, and Juventus all registered an interest previously.

In the press conference, he confirmed that no decision had been made with regards to his next club, saying:

“I have not yet decided where I am going, that will show up soon. The 13 years cannot be put into words. It was a wonderful time for which I am very grateful.”

“I decided to leave Bayern in the summer and try something new. It wasn’t an easy decision because the club is very important to me.”

The 28-year-old was directly about the interest from Barcelona, but he refused to give anything away, simply saying his representatives are talking to a number of teams.

“It’s no secret that my management is in contact with other clubs. The rest will be decided in the future,” he explained.

Alaba has enjoyed a decorated career with the Bavarians, winning nine Bundesliga titles, two Champions League titles, six DFB-Pokal titles, and two FIFA Club World Cup tournaments.