Real Madrid are embarking on a major restructuring of their defensive unit ahead of the 2025/26 season — a transformation that signals the dawn of a new era under recently appointed manager Xabi Alonso. The club’s recent moves in the transfer market, including the high-profile acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and the signing of Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, underline Los Blancos’ determination to build a more dynamic and youthful backline.
Alongside these signings, reports suggest that Real Madrid are in advanced negotiations for Benfica’s Álvaro Carreras, a promising young left-back identified as the top candidate to strengthen the left side of the defence. Should this deal go through, it would mark the third addition to the backline this summer alone — a clear indication that significant change is not only expected but actively underway.
The Alaba Dilemma
While arrivals often make the headlines, the departures — or lack thereof — tell an equally compelling story. One of the most intriguing and complex sagas unfolding in Madrid right now involves Austrian veteran David Alaba. Once a cornerstone of both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich’s defences, Alaba now finds himself facing a highly uncertain future.
At 32, and returning from a devastating knee injury that sidelined him for over a year, Alaba is no longer the guaranteed starter he once was. His comeback in January was met with cautious optimism, but his performances have yet to reach the elite standard expected at the Santiago Bernabéu. He was tested as a left-back in the Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal, but a sub-par showing only intensified concerns about his current capabilities and long-term utility to the squad.
What’s more, Alaba now finds himself sliding down the pecking order in central defence. With the emergence of Dean Huijsen, the reliability of Antonio Rüdiger, the return of Éder Militão, and even makeshift defensive options like Aurélien Tchouaméni, competition is fierce. The landscape has shifted — and it’s not one that favors Alaba.
A Costly Contract and Rejected Exit
Compounding the issue is Alaba’s contract, which reportedly makes him one of the highest earners at the club. With one year left on his deal, Real Madrid attempted to negotiate a contract termination back in January, offering to pay out the remainder of his salary. According to Cadena SER, the veteran rejected this proposal — a decision that reflects either his desire to fight for his place or a pragmatic refusal to walk away from a lucrative deal.
From the club’s perspective, Alaba’s wages are a burden — particularly in light of the club’s broader financial strategy. The decision not to sign any new players in January, despite manager Carlo Ancelotti’s requests, was influenced in part by a need to trim the wage bill. Alaba, unfortunately, became one of the prime targets in that effort to balance the books.
Does Alaba Fit Alonso’s System?
There’s a potential lifeline for Alaba, depending on how Xabi Alonso chooses to structure his team. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss is known for his preference for a three-at-the-back formation — a system in which a player like Alaba, with his technical finesse and ball-playing ability, could thrive if he’s physically and mentally up to the task.
But that’s a big “if.” At his best, Alaba is a leader, an orchestrator from the back, and a reliable presence in high-stakes matches. However, if he cannot rediscover that form, he risks becoming a costly squad player — or worse, an expendable one.
Looking Ahead
For now, Alaba’s future at Real Madrid hangs in the balance. With the defensive unit being rebuilt around younger, more physically dynamic players, and with financial pressures influencing squad decisions, the Austrian’s place is anything but secure.
Whether he chooses to fight for his place, negotiate a mutual exit, or consider offers from elsewhere remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the David Alaba chapter at Real Madrid is nearing a critical crossroads — one that could very well determine the trajectory of both the player’s career and the club’s defensive evolution.
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