Real Madrid finalize David Alaba's future: He will leave in summer 2026.
Real Madrid decided not to renew the contract of central defender David Alaba, marking a turning point in their strategy to rejuvenate the defense at Bernabeu.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have reached an internal agreement regarding David Alaba's future. The Bernabeu club will not activate any extension clause, officially ending the Austrian defender's five-season stint in June 2026.
Decline due to injuries and the burden of age.
Joining Real Madrid in 2021 on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, David Alaba quickly became a leader in the defense. He was an indispensable part of the "Los Blancos'" winning campaigns in La Liga and the Champions League. However, at the age of 33, fitness issues have significantly diminished his role.
In the last two seasons, Alaba has only made a mere 24 appearances in La Liga. A serious ligament injury at the end of 2023 forced the central defender to undergo two surgeries and sideline him for more than a year. For Real Madrid, this fitness risk no longer aligns with the club's long-term goals.
The financial dilemma at Bernabeu
Besides professional factors, compensation was also a major reason behind this decision. Currently, Alaba is among the highest-paid players in the squad, earning over 22 million euros per season. The club's management believes that maintaining such a huge salary for a player who frequently suffers injuries is no longer reasonable given the need to balance the wage bill.
Although Real Madrid had proposed terminating his contract early in the summer of 2025 to free up salary funds, David Alaba refused. The Austrian defender expressed his desire to complete his contract until 2026 before officially looking for a new club.
Real Madrid's plan to rebuild their defense.
The departure of Alaba signals a clear strategic shift for Real Madrid. The team is moving towards a younger and more sustainable model. Los Blancos' priority in the coming period is to give opportunities to talents from the La Fabrica academy, while also seeking young central defenders in the transfer market.
Among the potential targets, Dayot Upamecano is currently considered the top option due to his good fitness and age. Alaba's departure in the summer of 2026 will mark the end of an experienced phase and open a new chapter in the rebuilding of the defense at Bernabeu.
