David Alaba: Man United must sign Real Madrid star for one key reason | OneFootball

David Alaba has announced his decision to leave Real Madrid as a free agent this summer. The news comes just days after it was reported that Manchester United were exploring the market for the upcoming window.

Alaba was of interest to Manchester United in the past. The Austrian defender was linked with a move to Old Trafford previously, but a transfer never materialised.

United eyes the free agent market

Rob Dawson from ESPN recently reported that Manchester United’s recruitment team were assessing the free agent market ahead of the summer window. Regarding the market, a number of high-profile players, including Alaba, are out of contract in June.

Among those is another former target for the Red Devils, Dusan Vlahovic. Marcos Senesi, also heavily linked in recent days, is another potential target.

While it may be fair to say Alaba’s best days are behind him, a left-back or centre-back option may make sense for the club. Matthijs de Ligt‘s injury issues could cause worry for the recruitment team. Alaba’s ability to play two positions for no fee is a situation that could relieve those worries.

The prevailing belief is that the priority this summer is two midfielders. Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali have all been reliably linked. Even with Champions League football, it may not make sense to spend another huge fee on a defender. That is why the club could be eyeing the free agent market.

Alaba is “too good in every position”

An allure to signing Alaba is his versatility. In the past, he has played centre-back, left-back and even defensive midfield. Speaking previously to GOAL,  a journalist, Andreas Hagenauer, from Der Standard in Austria detailed his belief that the Madrid defender is “too good” in every position.

“But I think that, in a strange way, he’s just too good in every position. He is definitely the best left-back we have, probably the best full-back we have besides (Martin) Hinteregger and also one of the best defensive midfielders due to his passing and defensive power. ”

The report mirrored this assessment, contending that Alaba was “world-class in every position” as he sealed his move to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.

Alaba’s injury history is a concern

A caveat to the signing, of course, would be the player’s injury issues. Alaba has played just 13 times this season due to a calf injury. His injury record over the years would be quite a poor read for a recruitment team. Nevertheless, for a player on a free, it could be a risk they are willing to take.

The clearer and less risky option would likely be Senesi. The Bournemouth defender has Premier League experience and a much better injury record. Alaba’s experience of playing at top clubs would be vital, but if he is not on the pitch, he will not be able to make much difference.

Senesi is said to be favouring a move to Liverpool at the moment, but no final decision has been made. A new contract is not expected to be signed for the Cherries. It would be the third high-profile centre-back the club has lost in the last year, after Ilya Zabarnyi and Dean Huijsen both left in the summer.

The Argentine’s age could also appeal more to Manchester United’s recruitment team. Alaba is 33 years old, whereas the former Feyenoord defender is just 28 years old. The latter is much more enticing from a recruitment perspective.

Nevertheless, Alaba could be a potential target if the Red Devils decide to pursue him as the summer window approaches. The player is currently free to negotiate with other clubs due to his contract running out in June. Fabrizio Romano has suggested that several clubs have already been in contact with the player.

Final Thoughts

Alaba could be a good signing for Manchester United, but the injury history is a risk. A cruciate knee injury last season, followed by a sustained calf injury this season, is not a good look. The player still has quality and has played in some high-stakes matches in recent years. On a free for Manchester United, the trade-off could make sense.

Despite that, Senesi remains the best option on the market. The player has proven his class against the Red Devils and is wanted by Liverpool, among others. If Manchester United can beat them to the signing, it would provide better value than Alaba. If they can’t, Alaba is a good secondary option on a free.

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