David Alaba appears set to leave Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer after another injury-hit season; agent Pini Zahavi has been in Milan holding talks with interested clubs, putting Serie A, MLS and Saudi options squarely on the table as Madrid prepare to move on.
Alaba’s Real Madrid exit becomes likely as contract runs down
David Alaba looks increasingly certain to depart Real Madrid at the end of the season after a fourth year of limited impact. Persistent calf problems and a peripheral role have restricted him to just 14 competitive appearances and roughly 415 minutes in 2025/26, signalling that renewal is unlikely.
What happened in Milan
Agent Pini Zahavi spent several days in Milan conducting meetings with clubs believed to have an interest. The visit has been linked not only to Alaba but also to other clients represented by Zahavi, underlining a broader reshuffle of opportunities in European and global markets.
Why Real Madrid appear ready to move on
At 33, Alaba’s durability is now the central issue. Even when fit he has rarely been Madrid’s first-choice centre-back, and the team’s evolution has prioritized younger, more consistently available options. Since joining in 2021 he made 130 appearances, scoring five goals and contributing nine assists, but those credentials are now outweighed by limited recent availability.
Injury and minutes matter
Alaba’s calf problems have been recurring, and 415 minutes this season is a stark metric for a veteran expected to provide stability. For a club with Champions League ambitions, the calculus on extending a veteran’s deal changes when performance is constrained by injury.
Where he could go next: Serie A, Saudi, MLS
Several destinations make sense strategically. Serie A offers proximity and a tactical environment where Alaba’s positional intelligence could still thrive. Saudi clubs can provide lucrative contracts and immediate playing opportunities. MLS remains an appealing option for a high-profile European veteran seeking a new challenge and lifestyle change.
AC Milan and Juventus in the picture
Italian sides have the profile and defensive needs that could suit Alaba’s experience. AC Milan and Juventus are frequently mentioned in transfer chatter as clubs that would consider a short-term, high-impact signing, though no concrete offers are public.
What this means for Real Madrid and Alaba
For Real Madrid, moving on frees salary and a roster spot for a younger defender or a tactical refresh. For Alaba, the decision is about matching ambition with playing time and long-term security. A short-term move to Italy could keep him in Europe’s top competitions; a transfer to Saudi or MLS would likely prioritise financial and lifestyle factors.
Looking ahead
Negotiations and official confirmations are the next steps. Expect clarity once the season ends and clubs shift to summer planning.
Barcelona superstar determined to play a part in El Clasico vs Real Madrid
For Madrid, this will be a pragmatic release; for Alaba, it’s the start of a late-career chapter where minutes and fit will determine the right destination.
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