Alaba announces Bayern Munich departure - Most valuable free transfer in history

It has been reported for weeks, now David Alaba himself has officially announced it. The 28-year-old defensive all-rounder will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season, which, as of now, would make him the most valuable player in history to move on for free. Previously, this record was held by current teammate Robert Lewandowski, who left Borussia Dortmund for Bayern with a market value of €50 million in 2014. Alaba is currently worth €5 million more.

“I decided for myself to do something new. It wasn't an easy decision, quite the contrary. The club is very close to my heart. I haven't decided where the journey will take me yet,” Alaba said at a press conference. The 13 years that lie behind him, he could not put into words. “It was an incredible time, for which I am very grateful.”

In addition, he affirmed that the financial aspect did not play an overriding role in his decision. “That wasn’t a factor for me.” Rather, he is looking for a “new challenge”. “My management is in talks, I am getting informed and I am not frantically busy with it.”

Alaba’s future: EPL clubs made offers - Upamecano succeeds him at Bayern

On Monday evening, Bild had already announced the decision for the coming day, with which the Austrian wanted to provide clarity in order to be able to concentrate on the season’s final tasks with the Bundesliga leaders. Real Madrid are still considered as potential new employers – Los Blancos are reportedly Alaba’s desired club. However, he could also imagine a move to the Premier League. According to reports, Alaba has offers from Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Bayern Munich, meanwhile, have already prepared for the impending departure of Alaba in recent days by finalising the signing of RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano. “A player who brings a lot of talent and potential. He is very robust and also has his qualities in the build-up. He brings a lot,” Alaba praised his successor. In addition to the 22-year-old, the Club World Cup winners are also strengthening their squad with left-back Omar Richards of Reading, according to Transfermarkt information.