Real Madrid veteran might find a lifeline in a new position amid talks of possible exit in 2026 | OneFootball

After a year and a half filled with injury ordeals and lack of on-field action, David Alaba is gunning to play regularly and regain his lost importance at Real Madrid.

The 33-year-old Austrian international was heavily linked with a departure during the summer, but did not leave and made it clear in a recent interview that he was not affected by the constant rumours and speculations.

Having stayed, though, Alaba finds himself without a chance of regular minutes as he is currently behind Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and Raul Asencio in the pecking order for the centre-back position.

Alaba to play as a defensive midfielder?

As such, AS reports that rather than competing with them in central defence, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has tested Alaba as a holding midfielder, a potential alternative to Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Austrian international played in that role during a training game against Leganes and a friendly versus Tirol during pre-season.

Alaba could find a new home in midfield. (Photo by Jan Hetfleisch/Getty Images)

The ongoing international break saw Alaba play for Austria, in defence, where he put in a solid performance – completing the most passes for Austria (69) with a 92% accuracy rate, delivering five long balls, 18 passes into the final third, three accurate crosses and creating a chance.

Alaba was central to Austria’s build-up, reinforcing an idea already in Alonso’s mind: to make use of his distribution, not from defence, but in midfield.

As such, his strong showing with Austria strengthens the case for redeploying him in midfield as he seeks his first league appearance of the new season.

Time running out for Alaba

Alaba knows his cycle at Madrid is entering its final stretch. On a contract worth around €12 million net per season, his deal expires in June 2026 and, for now, no renewal is planned.

As such, there is a strong feeling that this could end up being the veteran star’s final season at Real Madrid.

Even though his future remains uncertain, Alaba refuses to give up and his most promising chance to make a case for an extension appears to be in midfield.