As Liverpool search for a centre-back to fill the big shoes of Van Dijk and add much needed depth to their backline, one that was previously thought to be ready to join his new club might be available.
David Alaba, the 28 year old defender from Bayern Munich was widely reported to have agreed to terms with Real Madrid with his contract in Germany expiring in June, but it seems that there has been an alteration in plans. Diario AS is reporting that no deal is final with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool being potential suitors for the two time Champions League winner.
📰 Alaba. ¿Quién da más?
— Diario AS (@diarioas) January 26, 2021
📆 Nuestra portada de hoy, 27 de enero pic.twitter.com/oM3YsJGgTG
While there is a vast set of competition pining for the Austrian, Liverpool should divert their focus to getting his signature. The well-experienced defender offers quality depth in the back which this season has made apparent is much needed. While Van Dijk’s injury was a freak one, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have shown to be unreliable and while they can be excellent when available, they seldom are.
Alaba has shown consistent form at Bayen who have been crowned Champions of Germany nine times since he has joined. He brings in versatility with over 150 appearances at left back and has even shown the ability to plan in the midfield.
While the signing will very likely be in the summer after Alaba’s contract expires, it puts Liverpool on firm footing long before the season begins and shows the signs of a club planning for long term success, something that has come into question these past few weeks. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s strong core provides the club a once-in-a-generation chance to build a dynasty like the ones of Paisley and Shankly, and bringing in a strong defender who wants to prove that he is still one of the best is a great step towards creating a lasting legacy.
