Austrian-Nigerian David Alaba set to leave Real Madrid as club informs Xabi Alonso of contract decision

Real Madrid management has informed head coach Xabi Alonso of a definitive plan not to offer a new contract to veteran defender David Alaba, whose current deal expires in June 2026.

The decision marks the end of the Austrian international of Nigerian descent’s time at the Bernabéu, with the club citing the player’s age, high salary, and persistent injury issues as primary factors.

This aligns with the club’s strategy under the new coaching setup to prioritize younger talent and future stability.

Alaba, who arrived on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2021, quickly became a key figure but has struggled significantly with his fitness in recent seasons.

A serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December 2023 sidelined him for an extended period, and further calf issues have hampered his return to consistent first-team action.

Concerns remain over his ability to perform consistently at the elite level. The 33-year-old is currently the fifth-choice center-back, falling behind Eder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, and Raúl Asencio in the pecking order.

Despite his reduced role and the club’s stance, Alaba has reportedly expressed a desire to stay and fight for his place, rejecting suggestions of an early departure.

He is a respected leader within the dressing room, and the club has stated it will not force him to leave before his contract ends.

Alaba is eligible to negotiate with other clubs from January 2026, and a move to a lower-tier league or even Saudi Arabia has been speculated as a potential next step.

However, his significant annual salary of over €22 million could be a hurdle in finding a new team.

Real Madrid is expected to invest heavily in defensive reinforcements next summer once Alaba’s departure is finalized.