Real Madrid defender David Alaba will leave the Spanish giants this summer when his contract expires, bringing an end to a successful but injury-hit five-year stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 33-year-old Austrian international departs having won nine trophies with Madrid, including two La Liga crowns and two UEFA Champions League titles since arriving on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2021.
Alaba’s exit had been widely expected after reports in December revealed Madrid were planning for life beyond the veteran defender. The club strengthened both defensive areas he primarily occupied by signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50million and moving for Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras in a €50million deal.
Injuries once again disrupted Alaba’s campaign, limiting him to just 15 appearances in all competitions and only four La Liga starts. With Antonio Rudiger, Huijsen, Eder Militao and Raul Asencio now ahead in the pecking order, his role at the club had diminished significantly.
Madrid also recently confirmed club captain Dani Carvajal will leave as a free agent this summer, marking the close of another chapter for the European champions.
Despite persistent fitness struggles during his time in Spain, Alaba made 129 appearances for Los Blancos and played a key role in one of the club’s most successful recent eras.
