Sources: Real Madrid not ruling out summer departure of club veteran | OneFootball

According to a report from Defensa Central, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez no longer sees David Alaba’s influence on the pitch as being in line with his lucrative contract.

It is known that the Austrian defender is among the top earners at the club, yet his role in the team looks set to shrink further in the 2025/26 season.

For Perez, this situation is unsustainable, especially as Real Madrid are focused on rejuvenating their defence with younger, long-term options.

Under Xabi Alonso, Alaba is expected to take on a secondary role. The squad already has strong alternatives in defence, which reduces the need to rely heavily on the 33-year-old.

Even though his physical condition has improved, the club doesn’t share the same optimism. Real Madrid’s board are not convinced about his future at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Open door for a possible exit

Real Madrid’s position is clear that while they know Alaba does not want to leave and intends to fulfil his contract, which runs until 2026, they will not block his departure if a serious offer arrives.

Real Madrid are open to Alaba’s departure this summer. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The club has already informed his agent that if any proposal comes in during the next two weeks, they are ready to facilitate the move.

Saudi Arabian clubs are viewed as the most likely candidates, given their ability to offer double or even triple Alaba’s current salary.

For Real Madrid, such a move would ease the wage bill while allowing them to invest further in younger defenders. However, all signs point to Alaba wanting to stay, even if it means playing a reduced role in Alonso’s plans.

Unless he changes his stance, the defender seems determined to see out his contract before leaving the Merengue in June 2026.

For now, Alaba’s future remains one of the more delicate situations Perez and the Madrid board will have to manage this season.