Real Madrid veteran ‘practically out of the picture’ for next season | OneFootball

Real Madrid are gearing up for a significant squad overhaul ahead of the new season, and one of the biggest names affected by this transition is David Alaba. 

The Austrian defender, once a key figure in the club’s backline, now finds himself increasingly sidelined in long-term planning.

According to a report from AS, with his contract approaching its final months, the veteran defender is ‘practically out of the picture’ for next season.

The current expectation within the club is that Alaba could leave on a free transfer, a scenario that aligns with Real Madrid’s intention to restructure both their squad and financial commitments.

A rebuild driven by recent struggles

After falling short in back-to-back seasons without major trophies, Real Madrid are now under pressure to refresh their squad. 

The focus has shifted towards building a more balanced and sustainable team, capable of competing at the highest level consistently.

This transition is not just about bringing in new players, as it also involves making tough calls on established figures.

And this is where Alaba comes into the picture.

Financial considerations play a key role

One of the main reasons behind Alaba’s exit is the club’s wage structure. 

David Alaba will leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As one of the highest earners in the squad, Alaba represents a significant financial commitment. 

Offloading his salary would give Real Madrid much-needed flexibility in the transfer market, particularly as they look to invest in younger defensive options.

Letting him leave at the end of his contract, while not generating a transfer fee, would still ease the wage bill considerably and help fund incoming signings.

Injuries disrupt continuity

Alaba’s diminishing role is not purely financial, as persistent injury problems have prevented him from maintaining rhythm and consistency. 

Despite his undeniable quality and leadership, his availability has become unreliable.

This season, his involvement has been minimal, with fewer than 400 minutes played across just 13 appearances. 

For a player expected to anchor the defence, those numbers show a clear decline in influence.

Now, with Real Madrid actively planning defensive reinforcements, moving on from Alaba appears to be a practical decision, as it would allow the club to reset its defensive structure and free up crucial resources.