David Alaba has turned down an offer from Lazio, leaving the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender without a club, according to reports.
The Serie A side were prepared to pay the Austria international €3m per season, but the 34-year-old declined their proposal. Transfer News Live reported the development, citing La Corriere dello Sport.
Alaba is now a free agent after leaving Real Madrid at the end of the previous campaign. He spent five years with the Spanish club, having joined after a decade at Bayern Munich.
The experienced central defender’s decision comes as Lazio look to reshape their defence following the departure of Alessio Romagnoli. The Italy international recently left the Rome-based club to join Qatari side Al-Sadd.
Lazio had been willing to offer Alaba a salary of €3m per season, but no agreement has been reached between the player and the Italian club. As a result, Alaba remains unattached and available to consider other opportunities.
Alaba’s time at Real Madrid lasted five years after he moved to Spain from Bayern Munich. Before that transfer, he had spent 10 years with the Bundesliga club, establishing himself as a versatile and experienced defender.
Although primarily a central defender in his later career, Alaba’s long spell at Bayern Munich had also made him known for his ability to operate in different defensive positions. His experience at the highest level was subsequently taken to Real Madrid, where he remained until his departure as a free agent following the conclusion of the last campaign.
The reported approach from Lazio would have offered Alaba the chance to continue his career in Italy, but the Austrian has rejected the terms put forward by the club. The report does not indicate that he has agreed a move elsewhere.
Lazio’s need for defensive reinforcements has increased since Romagnoli completed his move to Al-Sadd. However, the club’s interest in Alaba has not resulted in a transfer, with the player still without a club.
For now, the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender remains on the market after declining Lazio’s offer.