Barcelona boss would welcome Real Madrid veteran as his ‘new Inigo Martinez’ – report | OneFootball

A surprising internal revelation has emerged from Defensa Central, claiming that Barcelonamanager Hansi Flick is a long-time admirer of Real Madrid defender David Alaba.

In fact, he has even suggested within the club that, if the Austrian were physically reliable, he would be an ideal signing to replicate the tactical value currently offered by Inigo Martinez in Barça’s system.

This admiration, however, comes with heavy realism. Inside Barcelona, there is a clear understanding that Alaba’s fitness issues have become impossible to ignore. 

His ongoing struggle to cope with the physical demands of playing every three days is now widely seen as the decisive reason why Real Madrid have chosen not to renew his contract. 

What was once considered a world-class investment has gradually turned into a difficult physical management case for Los Blancos.

Alaba is certain to leave

Despite this, Alaba’s reputation across the global football market remains intact. 

Several clubs are closely monitoring his situation, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer in the United States. 

David Alaba will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Both destinations are reportedly willing to offer financially powerful contracts, giving the defender an opportunity to continue his career in a less intense environment where the physical toll would be significantly reduced. 

It is now widely expected that Alaba will leave Real Madrid at the end of the current season. 

His immediate focus remains fully competitive, with the FIFA World Cup with Austria at the centre of his short-term ambitions. 

Only once that campaign concludes will concrete negotiations regarding his next club begin.

For Barcelona, the situation is now purely theoretical. Flick’s admiration is professional, not practical. 

The club is fully aware that signing a defender with Alaba’s recent injury record would be an unacceptable sporting risk, regardless of quality. 

His future now points away from elite European competition, and the coming months will determine whether he chooses sporting comfort, financial favourability, or one final attempt at top-level football.