Bayern Munich’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, has addressed growing speculation over a possible return of club legend David Alaba, acknowledging the Austrian’s importance to the club but insisting there are currently “no plans yet” for a comeback. Freund’s comments, made during a media briefing on 21 November 2025, appear to put the brakes on much of the recent transfer chatter.
Alaba, who left Bayern in 2021 after 13 trophy-laden years, has long remained in the affection of the club and its fans. Freund praised him not just as a former player, but as a “very good person” who continues to make a positive impact — especially in his role as a player-coach for the Austrian national team.
He went on to say that Alaba has served as an important “contact person” for both his country’s coaching staff and squad leadership, especially amid his ongoing recovery from injury.
Freund also acknowledged Alaba’s recent struggles with fitness. The veteran centre-back has suffered a series of injuries during his time at Real Madrid, including a ruptured ACL in December 2023, followed by problems with his calf and meniscus.
According to Freund, these setbacks have made Alaba’s playing future more tenuous — but they have not diminished his value off the pitch.
Despite lingering speculation, Bayern appear to be focusing their defensive strategy elsewhere. Freund made clear that while they deeply respect what Alaba has contributed to the club, bringing him back as a player is not a current priority. “There are no plans yet,” he reiterated, suggesting that any potential reunion remains hypothetical.
The timing of Freund’s remarks is notable. Alaba’s contract with Real Madrid is due to expire in 2026, which has fueled media conjecture that a return to Bayern — or a move elsewhere — could materialise.
Meanwhile, former Austria coach Ralf Rangnick previously claimed Bayern had actually considered re-signing Alaba before his ACL injury in 2023.
