Amid speculation about Real Madrid signing a center back, David Alaba is in the spotlight as a player with an open exit door. His constant injuries and high salary, as well as the fact that his contract expires next summer, have opened the door for the white team to let the player go this summer. However, the center back has other plans. The Austrian is working hard to return on August 4 in the best possible shape and is sticking to his contract. He does not want to leave and wants to earn his place ahead of Xabi Alonso.
Alaba and a new setback
The season has not been easy for David Alaba, who has once again spent more time in the infirmary than on the pitch.
The center back was coming off a year of almost no playing time due to a serious injury, and with Eder Militao out, his return to the pitch was both wanted and needed. However, it has not been easy, and he has had other setbacks in the form of injuries that have kept him sidelined. The latest came in early May and was a torn meniscus in his left knee that required surgery.
The Austrian was expected to be fit for the World Cup or at least get some minutes, but Xabi Alonso had already hinted at what would be yet another complication. “He’s taking longer with Alaba, given the seriousness of his injury. As for Salzburg, it’s a different Salzburg than the one Madrid faced in the fall. They’ve signed players for this tournament and have a very clear idea. We have to give our best to beat them. I know them well,” he said.
Days after the coach’s comments, the club issued a medical statement saying that he had been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left calf that would keep him out for at least another three weeks.
Door open and signings on the horizon
For months, the club had been open to the possibility of the player leaving, although they always made it clear that no one would be forced to go. The club believes that the player’s high salary does not justify the few minutes he plays. As the fifth center back, he earns a lot, and they would prefer to find a way to cash in on him, considering that he will be a free agent next summer.
In addition, after what was seen at the World Cup, the club is considering entering the transfer market with Konaté and Saliba in its sights. To sign either of them, space must be made in the squad, and Alaba is the main candidate to leave the defense. However, the player has other plans and is not open to leaving the club in the near future.
Alaba’s decision
According to MARCA, Alaba is working at 200% to be in top condition for the start of preseason. The center back has a clear goal, which is to put an end to the injury nightmare that has plagued him for the last two seasons and feel like a footballer again. This goal also involves convincing Xabi Alonso that he deserves a place in his defense.
David Alaba and Xabi Alonso have discussed his role. The player believes he can be key to the team, especially because of his ability on the ball. In addition, according to the aforementioned source, the center back believes that a good season could change his contractual situation. He has not lost faith in a possible renewal, which, at this point, seems impossible.