Alaba return to FC Bayern? Freund reacts to persistent rumors | OneFootball

The discussions about a possible return of David Alaba to FC Bayern are never-ending. Since his departure to Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, many fans of the German record champions have been hoping to see the long-serving defender back at Säbener Straße at some point – whether as a player, after the end of his career or in another role. Sports director Christoph Freund has now commented on this.

In an interview with Sky, Freund praised his compatriot’s exceptional career, but avoided any kind of promise of a return. „There are no plans at the moment. But I believe he has had an extremely formative influence on FC Bayern for a long time,“ emphasized the sporting director. The sentence shows how great the respect for the 33-year-old centre-back still is, but at the same time also that a comeback is currently not an issue in the management team.

Alaba himself is going through a difficult phase at Real Madrid. After numerous injuries – including a cruciate ligament rupture in spring 2024 – he is currently only playing a subordinate role under coach Xabi Alonso and has only made three brief appearances this season. His contract with the Spanish top club ends next summer, which has renewed speculation about his future.

Freund makes it clear that the Austrian is not thinking about a return to Munich at the moment: „He is simply a great lad, an intelligent youngster who will certainly go a good way after his active career. But I think he wants to play soccer for some time yet. For now, he wants to play the World Cup with Austria,“ he explains.

Alaba’s importance for Bayern and Austria remains undisputed

photo: IMAGO

Even if Alaba is not currently playing the role he would like to, his value to the Austrian national team remains enormous, according to Freund. The fact that the 111-time international was not used in the key games against Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina was not due to his importance, but to circumstances such as a yellow card suspension or tactical decisions by team boss Ralf Rangnick.

Freund emphasises how much responsibility Alaba takes – despite injuries and setbacks: „Bayern fans know David, how important he was – even off the pitch. He is a really good kid who does a lot of integration work on and off the pitch.“ Freund is particularly impressed by Alaba’s role as a leader in the Austrian team. „He also supported the team from the bench at the European Championships. He is a very important contact person for the coach. Captain, playing assistant coach – simply a very important factor.“

Whether Alaba will one day return to FC Bayern remains to be seen. Although Freund emphasizes the close connection and the merits of the long-time FCB star, he deliberately keeps the topic vague.