Real Madrid drag feet on contract talks leaving veteran defender in limbo | OneFootball

Real Madrid find themselves entering another decisive stretch of the season, but for David Alaba, the stakes feel even higher. 

The Austrian defender, who arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu as a marquee free signing, now stands at a crossroads as his contract expires at the end of the current campaign. 

In that sense, according to a report from AS, the experienced centre-back is still waiting for Real Madrid to contact him and begin formal discussions about his future.

Crucial time for Alaba

Alaba understands the landscape very well. 

At over 30, the club only offer one-year renewals, and he knows that his chances hinge entirely on whether he can show a level of physical consistency that has been missing during his recent seasons in Spain. 

That pressure has shaped almost every decision surrounding him in recent months.

David Alaba is waiting to hear from Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

So far this season, he has completed only one game for Real Madrid, but has played full 90 minutes in Austria’s last two matches during the international break.

Offers are there

Behind the scenes, however, the situation feels uncertain. Those close to Alaba have admitted that he has recently received offers, particularly from wealthy leagues in the Middle East. 

But the player is not rushing. He believes that in “a couple of months” he will be able to properly weigh up his future, although everything hinges on one key factor: hearing from Real Madrid.

That moment has not arrived yet. Alaba finds himself waiting, aware that Real Madrid are in no hurry. 

The club want to see how the season develops before committing, and this hesitation is made even more complicated by his current salary, around €10 million.