Real Madrid value veteran’s professionalism as player pushes to stay | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s squad has enjoyed a false sense of security in the centre-back department in recent years with players like David Alaba and Eder Militao being present in the squad but virtually absent their injuries.

While the latter was unfortunate enough to suffer two back-to-back season-ending ACL injuries, Alaba also missed a significant part of last season with an ACL tear and has suffered regular setbacks ever since he returned from the long layoff.

Most recently, the Austrian international was expected to make his return to the field in the FIFA Club World Cup but once again faced a muscular blow days before his return and saw himself miss the event.

Departure not on the cards

Alaba’s poor fitness record in recent times has indeed raised doubts over his future at the club, but his high salary has served as a deterrent to any form of transfer as it would be simply impractical for any club to sign him.

David Alaba wants to stay. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

As relayed by Onda Cero (h/t Madrid Xtra) in a recent report, Real Madrid currently have no interest in forcing out the player against his wish which is to continue in the Spanish capital until the end of this contract.

The management value his professionalism which has been outstanding and highly regarded by the club and will thus respect his decision to stay without pushing for a forceful departure.

Alaba’s contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2026 and there was hope that he would leave the club looking for more regular minutes given that it is a World Cup year.

A combination of factors, however, have rendered that complicated and Alaba will look to stay fit and serve as a backup centre-back for Real Madrid this season.

All signs point to him being the fifth-choice centre-back behind Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio and Eder Militao as it stands.