Hamburger SV are being linked with a shock move for David Alaba. The 34-year-old Austrian defender is currently a free agent and could be signed despite the transfer window being closed.
The team coached by Tim Walter sits in 15th place in the Bundesliga with just three points from four matches. Their recent form shows a slight uptick with two wins and three losses in their last five games, following a disastrous start to the season that included two 5-0 defeats. Their most recent result was a 2-1 home win against 1. FC Köln last weekend.
Alaba, formerly of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, would bring vast experience and football intelligence to HSV's leaky defence. The club has conceded 13 goals already this campaign. With regular centre-back Mario Vušković currently sidelined, a player of Alaba's calibre, who can operate in multiple positions, would be a major coup.
The biggest challenge is financial. Alaba's salary demands are likely to far exceed HSV's budget. The club would need to get creative if serious talks were to materialise. Experienced defender Jannik Vestergaard is named as an alternative target. There is also foreign competition, with Serie A side Lazio and Mexican club Club América reportedly showing interest in the world-class defender.
The next chance to build on their current form comes with an away fixture against 1899 Hoffenheim on October 10th. The full schedule can be found on our fixtures page. If HSV are genuinely considering a move for Alaba, it would be a clear signal to supporters that the club is seeking ambitious solutions despite their tough situation. The team's injury list is available on our injuries overview.
First reported at sports.yahoo.com
