Alaba's situation complicates at Real Madrid
The Austrian central defender does not have his continuity in the Real Madrid team assured in this final stretch of the market.
This Tuesday, Real Madrid faces a new LaLiga commitment at the Santiago Bernabéu against Osasuna, a match that marks the official start of the season at home for Xabi Alonso's team. However, beyond the sporting aspect, attention is also focused on one of the most experienced figures in the squad: David Alaba.
The Austrian defender has been included in the squad, although it seems unlikely that he will play a leading role on the field. His physical condition has improved, a fact acknowledged by the player himself after a friendly match in Austria against Tirol, where he stated feeling "strong and ready." However, within the white club, there is not the same enthusiasm, as from the top management, led by Florentino Pérez, there are reservations about the defender's continuity.
As reported by DefensaCentral, the Real Madrid president believes that Alaba's sporting weight no longer corresponds to his contractual situation. The Austrian earns one of the highest salaries in the team, and his role for the 2025-2026 season will be increasingly limited. For Florentino, this equation is unsustainable for a club aiming to rejuvenate its defense with promising players.
Florentino Pérez no longer considers Alaba important for Real Madrid
The club's management has informed the player's circle that they are willing to facilitate his departure if a convincing offer arrives. Saudi Arabia emerges as the clearest option since teams in their league could double or triple his current salary. The Madrid directive considers this alternative beneficial for all parties: the player secures a lucrative contract, and the club frees up salary mass to strengthen other positions.
The issue for Florentino and his board is that the player does not contemplate an immediate exit. Alaba, who joined Real Madrid in 2021 from Bayern Munich, has a contract until June 2026, and his intention is to honor it to the end. He feels comfortable in the capital, integrated into the team, and eager to continue adding titles as a Madridista.
In recent statements, the Austrian international admitted that playing in less familiar positions, such as midfield, is not a problem for him, although he acknowledges he won't be an undisputed starter. Nevertheless, he insists on continuing to defend the white jersey.
The situation has caused a silent clash within the club. On one side, the player seeks stability; on the other, the board plans a generational change. Florentino Pérez has been working for months on restructuring the defense, aiming for young talents that ensure immediate performance and long-term projection. Alaba's continuity clashes with that strategy, especially when considering the economic burden he represents.
In the transfer market, Real Madrid seeks to maintain financial flexibility to carry out significant operations in 2025. The board understands that players like Kylian Mbappé, or defensive reinforcements like Micky Van de Ven or Castello Lukeba, may require a relevant financial effort. In this scenario, every released spot is crucial.
Among Madridista fans, Alaba's role sparks debate. Some value his experience, versatility, and leadership displayed in crucial moments, such as the 2022 Champions League final. However, others believe his physical condition is not at its peak anymore, and retaining him in the squad represents an unnecessary expense.
This division among supporters reflects the internal dilemma in the club: whether to opt for experience or immediate renewal. Florentino Pérez is clear: the priority is to modernize the squad and reduce superfluous expenses, even if it means parting ways with historic or charismatic figures.
For now, there is no indication that Alaba will change his stance. His plan is to stay at the Santiago Bernabéu until 2026, despite the club not considering him an essential part of the project. Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez will subtly continue to press for the player to accept a departure, especially if an irresistible offer comes from Saudi Arabia.
This situation is another example of how the white president manages the future of the team: pragmatism over sentimentality. And David Alaba, despite his stature, doesn't seem to escape that logic.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Se complica la situación de Alaba en el Real Madrid