DAVID ALABA’S agent Pini Zahavi is a “greedy piranha”, according to ex-Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness.
The Bundesliga champions have been trying to extend the Austrian’s contract for months, with his current deal having just run into its final year.
Hoeness hit out at Alaba’s agent Pini ZahaviCredit: AFP or licensors
Uli Hoeness pulled no punches on his TV appearanceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But they appear to be struggling to find a breakthrough – and former chief Hoeness, 68, believes he knows why.
The German, who stepped down as club president last November, told Sport1: “He [Alaba] has a greedy piranha for an agent.
“His father, whom I like a lot, he’s letting himself be influenced by him very much.”
Israeli super-agent Zahavi, 77, also represents Robert Lewandowski – and appears to have had a strained relationship with Bayern’s hierarchy down the years.
And Hoeness was scathing of his methods of negotiation.
He continued: “It’s purely about money.
“If you only knew what Mr. Zahavi demands only for himself for David’s signature for an eight-figure sum.
“That is not at all possible. I can understand that Hasan [Salihamidzic] totally flipped out at a meeting. The arguments that are exchanged there defy belief.”
Zahavi also represents Robert LewandowskiCredit: EPA
On Alaba himself, however, Hoeness couldn’t have been more complimentary.
He said: “He’s a super guy.
“Hansi Flick absolutely wants to keep him. Everyone wants him to stay. He’s a very good player.
“I hope that David and his father realize that a four or five-year contract at FC Bayern is the best for them and that they adapt to our wage structure. Then everyone would be happy.
“The last millions this is about will not make him happier – but would mess up our wage structure. That’s why the club has to be very firm in this matter.”
From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us
Uli Hoeness on Manchester United and Liverpool
Another Bayern star to only have a year remaining on his contract is Thiago Alcantara, and Hoeness, characteristically, pulled no punches when speaking about his potential suitors, Manchester United and Liverpool.
He said: “A while ago we agreed on a new four-year contract. Some days later he said: ‘I’m looking for a new challenge.’ Which is totally okay.
“I think he obviously has an agreement with Liverpool or Manchester United or both of them. Now both clubs are bluffing, and no one has contacted Bayern Munich officially.
“From my point of view, that has no style. They’re trying to blackmail us, by waiting until the last week, when they’re going to make a cheap offer.
“In that case FC Bayern have to ask themselves the question: do they want to go along with that or do they tell the player that he has to stay.
“It’s going to be a hot three weeks until [the transfer window closes on] October 5.”
Thiago has been linked with Manchester United and LiverpoolCredit: AFP or licensors
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
