Real Madrid expects a footballer to disappear and release his huge salary package.
In the midst of a major upheaval in Real Madrid’s defence, David Alaba has made it clear that he is not considering leaving the white club. Despite a long list of physical problems, the Austrian defender is determined to stay in the squad and fulfill his contract, which runs until 2026.
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Defensive revolution underway
The Merengue club has started a major rebuild of its defence. The signing of Dean Huijsen is already official, while the transfer for Trent Alexander-Arnold is about to be completed, as is the young Álvaro Carreras. This revolution calls into question the future of several of today’s defenders, but Alaba is proving determined to fight for a spot.
Believes in convincing Xabi Alonso
The former Bayern Munich player has recently undergone surgery for a meniscus injury in his left knee, the same leg that suffered a serious ligament injury in December 2023. Since then, he has experienced a nightmare of setbacks that have prevented him from gaining continuity. Almost 33 years old, he has only played just over 600 minutes this season in 14 games – numbers that underline his difficult situation.
Won’t give up
Still, the versatile defender (who can play both centre-back and full-back) doesn’t give up. He feels he can still be useful for the club with whom he won the Champions League in 2022, where he was a pawn. His salary of around €22 million gross and his recent injury history mean that the club is open to considering any offers. But it will be Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s future coach, who will have the last word.
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Key points:
- Alaba insists on staying until 2026 despite injury concerns
- The club wants to release his high salary
- Defence upheaval with new signings underway
- Alonso will decide the Austrian’s fate
