
Real Madrid's Major Defensive Shakeup: Could David Alaba Be Exiting?
2025-05-20
Author: Siti
Real Madrid is gearing up for a monumental overhaul in their defense, and the anticipation is palpable among fans. With Trent Alexander-Arnold's arrival from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen confirmed from Bournemouth, the summer transfer season promises to be thrilling. However, the club’s strategy raises questions about who might depart to make way for fresh talent.
Los Blancos are also in advanced talks to secure a left-back, targeting Benfica’s promising Alvaro Carreras as their top choice. This potential deal could push their defensive signings to three and leave veteran Lucas Vazquez as the only imminent departure when his contract expires.
David Alaba’s Uncertain Future
Amidst these developments, David Alaba’s position at the club hangs in the balance. The experienced Austrian defender, now 32, has struggled to return to his peak performance following a significant knee injury that sidelined him for 13 months. With new manager Xabi Alonso at the helm, Alaba's spot is not guaranteed.
Contract Termination Offer on the Table
Reports suggest that Real Madrid offered to terminate Alaba’s contract back in January, providing him with the remainder of his salary. However, he declined this lucrative offer. Known to be among the top earners at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu, Alaba still has a year left on his current deal, complicating matters further.
A New Tactical Era Under Xabi Alonso?
As Xabi Alonso experiments with a three-at-the-back system—proven successful during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen—Alaba could represent a valuable asset, assuming he regains his form. Yet, his recent performance as a left-back against Arsenal in the Champions League left much to be desired, causing him to slip down in the defensive hierarchy. With fresh faces like Huijsen and established stars such as Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao ahead of him, Alaba’s future at Real Madrid is becoming increasingly uncertain.