Real Madrid is undergoing a change of cycle, which means changes. Changes that in some cases can be painful, such as the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric, who had an emotional farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu last weekend. This marks the beginning of a new era, a regeneration of the squad that involves difficult decisions, but ones that are necessary to rejuvenate the team.
It has been a tough season in that sense. The players, most of whom are over 30, have suffered from significant injuries and ailments that have severely weakened the team, especially in defense. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao have been unavailable throughout the season, and they have now been joined by Rüdiger, Alaba, and Mency.
Rüdiger and Alaba have been questioned this season for their poor performance and constant injury problems. The German had been struggling with knee problems and had been playing for months with significant pain, which led him to decide to undergo surgery, taking advantage of a heavy suspension so that he could be fit in time for the Club World Cup.
Alaba’s complicated future
In Alaba’s case, he was already carrying an injury from last season, from which he recovered at the start of this season, but he suffered several relapses and ended up undergoing surgery in the final weeks of the season. The player is about to turn 33, and his lack of playing time raises doubts about whether it is best for him to remain with the team.
In addition, he has one of the highest salaries on the squad. An excessive salary for what he has been able to contribute to the team this season. The fact that Real Madrid is considering that next season will be the last of his contract plays an important role, as this summer is the last opportunity to make a financial profit from his sale.
The arrival of a new center back also influences Real Madrid’s decision to open the door for the player. The team has signed Dean Huijsen, a young center back who will be a starter under Xabi Alonso, relegating the Austrian to fifth center back. Again, too much money for a player who will see little playing time.
Despite all these reasons, David Alaba has already told those close to him that he wants to stay at Real Madrid and see out his contract, according to OK Diario. The player wants one last chance under Xabi Alonso, who will ultimately have the final say on whether he stays or goes.
A suitor who could change his mind
A lucrative offer could make the player change his mind, according to reports that have emerged in recent days. Various media outlets have picked up on information released by TGRT Haber. “Galatasaray’s board, which wants to sign a world-class player to join Davinson Sánchez in defense, plans to make contact with David Alaba, who has been unable to find what he was looking for at Real Madrid in recent times,” the Turkish television station reported.
If the Turkish league champions decide to go for the Real Madrid center back, the Spanish club, provided the offer allows them to make a profit, would be willing to negotiate, so the ball would be in the player’s court. He would then have to decide whether he prefers a change of scenery and more playing time, or to stay with Real Madrid and wait to see what decisions the Spanish coach makes about the defense and what role he assigns him.