Why Liverpool signing David Alaba would get them a worthy replacement for Van Dijk
According to Express, Liverpool could sign David Alaba on a pre-contract agreement in January. Jurgen Klopp’s defensive personnel have been hit hard as they are going down like ninepins.
Van Dijk, Matip and now Fabinho are all out with injury. David Alaba’s contract dispute with Bayern means that he is in the last year of his existing deal, thereby making a deal for him a realistic possibility.
Profile
The 28-year-old Austrian defender started his youth career at SV Aspern in 2001 and moved to FK Austria Vienna in 2002. After 6 years in the youth setup, he joined Bayern Munich and was drafted into the youth side.
He rose through the ranks and was promoted to the first-team in 2010 but was loaned to TSG Hoffenheim in the same season. On his return, he was thrust into first-team action and he has not looked back since.
Alaba has had a hugely successful time at Munich, with two trebles to boast of along with countless league titles and domestic cups. So far, he has made 393 appearances for the Bavarian giants while scoring 31 and assisting 49 (source – Transfermarkt).
He is also an experienced and vital member of the Austrian national team with 73 games and 14 goals to date.
A worthy replacement and partner for Van Dijk
Liverpool have been dealt a gut blow with the long-term ACL injury to Van Dijk. The injuries to Matip and Fabinho have compounded the misery. Joe Gomez is the only senior centre-back available, with Klopp having to rely on academy players for the time being.
David Alaba is in the last year of his contract and is unlikely to renew it given the dispute he has with Bayern’s head honchos. He is very likely to head out of the club and if Bayern don’t want to lose him for free next summer, they have to sanction a cut-price sale in January.
Liverpool need to take advantage of this situation. David Alaba may be a natural left-back but he was asked to play as centre-back last season by Hansi Flick to accommodate Alphonso Davies. He would make an astute January buy for Liverpool to shore up the defence in the absence of Van Dijk.
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Even when Van Dijk returns, both of them could partner each other in defence, with Alaba on the left and Van Dijk shifting to his stronger right side. This transfer could be a masterstroke by Klopp if they can somehow pull this off.
