The 0-7 loss to FC Bayern could have personnel consequences for 1. FC Union Berlin. The Köpenick-based team had a disastrous night at the Allianz Arena on Friday evening, suffering yet another lopsided defeat in the still-young Bundesliga season. Now, of all people, a longtime Bayern star could help solve their defensive problems.
As reported by BILD, Union is considering whether to make another move in the free-agent market during the extended international break. One prominent name who would fit the bill is David Alaba.
The 34-year-old Austrian is currently without a club following his departure from Real Madrid and could therefore be signed even outside the regular transfer window. According to the report, former Bundesliga defender Jannik Vestergaard is also being considered as a potential reinforcement alongside Alaba.
The need for action at Union is obvious. After four Bundesliga matchdays, the Berliners have already conceded 17 goals. The team hit a low point with a 0–7 loss in Munich.
Union is looking for a new defensive leader
Under coach Mauro Lustrinelli, Union is trying to reorganize its defense. However, the switch to a back four has caused the team major problems so far.
After the team’s recent performances, captain Christopher Trimmel made it clear where the problem lies: “We’re allowing too many one-on-one situations to develop on the back line. We simply have to get better at that, including in our communication.”
This is exactly where a player like Alaba could be an interesting fit. Union is apparently looking for an experienced and communicative defensive leader who, ideally, already has Bundesliga experience. The longtime Bayern pro would essentially fit that profile.
Alaba knows the Bundesliga like few others. The Austrian international spent the majority of his career at FC Bayern and developed in Munich from a young prospect into a world-class player. With the record champions, he won the Champions League twice, among other titles, before moving to Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2021.
Alaba is still waiting for a new club
Since leaving Madrid, Alaba has yet to find a new club. The defender has recently been linked to several teams, but a transfer has not materialized.
His search for a new club is now also having an impact on the Austrian national team. National team coach Ralf Rangnick left his longtime captain off the roster for the current international break and made it clear that Alaba needs to get back to regular playing time as soon as possible.
It remains to be seen whether Union will actually make a concrete move for the 34-year-old. At present, this is a possible option and not an imminent transfer.
For the Köpenick-based club, Alaba would nonetheless be a spectacular solution. Just a few days after the 0-7 thrashing at the hands of FC Bayern, a player who wore the record champion’s jersey for over a decade could become a topic of discussion.
Should a deal actually go through, Alaba would return to the Bundesliga more than five years after leaving Munich.