Why Barcelona's talks with David Alaba broke down

Why Barcelona's talks with David Alaba broke down

There was a fundamental difference of a opinion on one subject between the two parties

He was on Barcelona’s agenda a while ago. He’d been tipped to be a possible signing when the late Tito Vilanova was in charge of the first team and in 2016 Barça once again tried to sign him. We’re talking about David Alaba, the Bayern Munich player. A great player who Barcelona like a lot and with whom they spoke with in order to transmit their interest at bringing him to Camp Nou. But in the talks there was a difference of opinion on a matter which proved decisive in the transfer not happening. What? The position Alaba should play in.

Barça were clear that the Austrian international can offer the most in defence, be that as a central defender or a left-back. However, Alaba had other intentions and his aspiration was to play in central midfield, an idea which was not shared by the Catalan club and was the reason for the lack of an agreement. Alaba -- who had a contract until 2020 with Bayern at the time, it’s now 2021 -- made it one of his conditions. But Barcelona said ‘no’. 

Alaba has a lot of qualities which made him a credible candidate for Barça -- and also for Real Madrid -- such as his versatility, his pace, his good touch, the way he manages the ball and his defensive attributes. He’s a more than complete player, but his ‘obsession’ with changing position impeded the negotiations for his signing.