Real Madrid and Austrian defender David Alaba appear to be on a collision course over the player’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The club’s management is reportedly looking to place Alaba on the transfer list this summer, potentially ending his association with the Spanish giants.
Alaba, who has Nigerian roots through his father, has struggled with persistent injuries over the past two seasons, limiting his impact on the pitch.
According to The Athletic, Real Madrid are eager to offload the 32-year-old before his contract expires in 2026, partly to avoid losing him on a free transfer and partly to reduce their wage bill.
Alaba’s significant salary is believed to be a key factor behind the club’s push to sell, despite his experience and versatility.
However, Alaba is reportedly resisting the move, convinced that he can still make a meaningful contribution to Real’s ambitions if he can regain full fitness.
The veteran defender, who joined Los Blancos from Bayern Munich in 2021, remains confident in his ability to perform at the highest level, despite his recent struggles with injuries.
Real Madrid’s stance is seen as a proactive effort to reshape their defensive options ahead of the 2025-26 season, as they look to reduce their wage obligations and refresh the squad.
Alaba’s departure could free up significant resources for new signings, with Madrid already being linked to several younger defensive targets as part of their long-term rebuilding strategy.
The standoff leaves Alaba’s future uncertain, with the summer transfer window likely to provide clarity on whether the experienced defender will continue his career in the Spanish capital or seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
