Flick Hopeful Of New Alaba Deal Soon

Alaba is in the final year of his contract with the Bavarians and negotiations regarding an extension have dragged on for months, leading to a public spat between the player’s father and Bayern Munich board member Uli Hoeness.

Alaba played a key role last season when Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and UEFA Champions League but could walk away for free next year if negotiations on an extension continue to stall.

The 28-year-old’s contract situation has not stopped him from impressing in the early stages of the 2020/2021 season, with the Austrian international making seven starts in all competitions.

Ahead of Bayern Munich’s trip to FC Cologne on Saturday, Flick remains hopeful Alaba will soon pen fresh terms.

"Against [Arminia] Bielefeld, Atletico [Madrid] and Eintracht [Frankfurt], Alaba is doing a good job," Flick told a news conference.

"I feel he's the same as last season, very focused, loud on the pitch, one of the players who leads our defence. For me, there's no difference between now and last season.

"I'm not concerning myself with [worries about a January transfer] at all right now.

"I still hope he'll sign with Bayern because I think he knows what the situation is like here in Munich.

"It's a lot of fun to train with a team with a good atmosphere here, we play successful football and this club is one of the best in the world.

"The conditions are top for every player right now and I think he'll think twice about changing that.

"It's his decision - and we have to respect that, obviously - but I hope he will stay. He has to decide, my feeling is irrelevant."

Alaba came through the Bayern Munich youth system, and has won nine Bundesliga titles in his time at the club.