Report: FC Barcelona admits defeat in pursuit of Bayern Munich’s David Alaba

Per a report from Marca, FC Barcelona has pulled out of the running for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

According to the Spanish outlet, Alaba’s agent met with FC Barcelona, but the Catalan club balked at making a deal because of the player’s financial demands. Per Marca’s report, the financially distressed simply could not match Real Madrid’s offer:

Real Madrid appear to have won the race to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, despite attempts from Barcelona to land the Austrian. Marca have been following Alaba’s situation closely in recent months, learning that Pini Zahavi, the Austrian’s agent, offered him to several top European clubs, but that Real Madrid now appear his likeliest destination.

Los Blancos had long been keen on the player and the demands of the player made the operation possible. The opposite was the case with Barcelona. Zahavi spoke with the Catalans but, upon learning of the financials of the deal, decided against it. PSG and Manchester United are also fighting for his signature, but the defender has always said that he would like to play in LaLiga, and Real Madrid are willing to make that wish come true.

It should be noted that Marca’s previous story stating that a deal between Real Madrid and Alaba was “imminent” was refuted by both Sky Sports and Sport Bild chief Christian Falk as we covered earlier today.

As always, stay tuned...