Real Madrid have opted not to renew the contract of Austrian defender David Alaba, according to a report by Spanish newspaper AS.
The 33-year-old centre-back, who joined Los Blancos from Bayern Munich in 2021 on a free transfer, has struggled with recurring injuries that have significantly reduced his role at the club.
Born in Vienna to Nigerian and Filipino parents, Alaba has been a consistent presence in European football for over a decade, but his spell in the Spanish capital has been disrupted by fitness concerns.
He suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in December 2023, followed by cartilage damage in his left knee. After a brief return, he sustained a meniscus injury that required further surgery, sidelining him for an extended period.
Despite still having two years remaining on his current contract, which expires in the summer of 2026, AS reports that Real Madrid have no plans to extend his stay at the Bernabéu.
His long-term fitness remains a concern, especially as the club looks to refresh its defensive options for the coming seasons.
In response to the injury crisis that affected their defensive depth last season, Real Madrid recently secured the signing of Dutch-born defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.
The 19-year-old centre-back is seen as a long-term solution and adds to a pool that already includes Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, and Nacho.
Alaba has made over 100 appearances for Madrid and played a key role in their La Liga and UEFA Champions League triumphs in 2021–22.
However, his repeated setbacks have led the club’s hierarchy to shift their focus to younger, more durable players.
The Austrian international remains under contract for now, but Madrid’s decision suggests a future exit is increasingly likely.
