Sofia Quijada
David Alaba may be nearing the end of his stint at Real Madrid as the club recalibrates its squad under Xabi Alonso. Once a guaranteed starter, the Austrian international has slipped to fifth-choice centre-back after a serious cruciate ligament injury in December 2023.
Real Madrid’s recent defensive depth includes Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Raul Ascencio, and new breakout Dean Huijsen, with Aurelien Tchouameni even used at centre-back during the Club World Cup. As a result, Alaba’s playing time is expected to be limited moving forward.
💡Exit Strategy Under Consideration
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are hoping to facilitate Alaba’s exit this summer, despite his contract running until 2026. The club views his high salary and diminished role as unsustainable, particularly amid ongoing efforts to streamline the wage structure.
An early termination agreement was reportedly proposed but rejected by the player’s camp. Without suitors — due to a combination of recent injuries and limited visibility — a sale remains complicated. However, Real would prefer a departure now rather than carrying his wages through 2026.
🎯Tactical Utility Still Exists
Should Alonso maintain a three-man defensive setup, Alaba could retain value as a rotational option. His experience, versatility, and leadership are still appreciated internally — but in practical terms, he’s no longer seen as a first-team regular.
👀Looking Ahead: Free Exit in 2026 More Likely
Barring a surprise summer deal, the most realistic outcome remains Alaba leaving as a free agent in two years. Real Madrid will monitor the market, but unless a club is willing to take on his wages or make a meaningful offer, Alaba’s Bernabéu chapter may slowly wind down without fanfare.
🤑Betting Note
Alaba’s reduced status has little direct impact on Real Madrid’s match-to-match odds but could affect defensive rotation and squad depth in futures markets. If he stays, his role will likely be limited to domestic cups or injury cover — affecting clean sheet props and starting XI props for punters tracking Madrid’s rotations.