Bayern Munich wanted to sign Real Madrid veteran before ACL injury, reveals national team coach | OneFootball

Bayern Munich seriously considered bringing back David Alaba from Real Madrid, according to a surprising revelation from Austria national team coach Ralf Rangnick.

The German champions explored the possibility of re-signing the Real Madrid defender, but a serious knee injury in December 2023 derailed the plan.

“I know from a reliable source that Bayern had been seriously thinking about signing him before his injury,” Rangnick told ServusTV (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

After establishing himself as a legend at Bayern Munich, Alaba made the jump to Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, arriving on a free transfer.

The Austrian international soon became a regular starter for Los Blancos and has enjoyed a successful spell in the Spanish capital.

However, the past 18 months or so have been difficult for Alaba due to injuries. The 32-year-old veteran suffered an ACL rupture in December 2023 – which seemingly ended up impacting Bayern’s plans to take him back to the Allianz Arena.

Injury scuppered Alaba’s potential return to Bayern. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

After spending over a year out, Alaba returned to action towards the final phase of the 2024/25 season but was again injured and had to undergo surgery.

The 32-year-old, whose contract expires next year, is back in training but is unlikely to play a big part in the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.

Despite the setbacks, Rangnick remains confident in the Austria captain’s recovery.

“If anyone can do it, it is David. He has the attitude and unshakable ambition. If his knee holds up, I am convinced he can return to playing at the highest level,” said the Austrian coach.

As mentioned above, Alaba’s contract expires in 2026 and even though there have been reports of a possible departure, the veteran star intends to stay put at Real Madrid.