Real Madrid have seen many dependable players become big-time liabilities over the past season. Lucas Vazquez, who was one of them, was shown the way out.
David Alaba is also one of those names. He was a key figure in the 2022 Champions League triumph but has only been a disappointment since then.
Constant injuries and dismal performances have forced Madrid to invest in the position, and they are still looking to strengthen further.
Not to mention, he is the second-highest earner in the squad, grossing about 22.5 million euros annually, according to Capology.
He is only behind Kylian Mbappe on that scale, and it highlights a worrying contrast between the players’ current stature and the closeness of their wages. The situation is both scary and draining.
David Alaba was offered the way out but he refused
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid consider David Alaba’s situation irreparable and want him out, but the player has stood firm on his intent to see out his contract until 2026.
To push him toward an exit, Madrid even offered to pay part of his salary through 2026 and terminate the contract this summer, but the Austrian still refused.
Madrid have no intention of paying his full salary and unilaterally terminating his contract. They were ready to settle for a reduced amount, but that proposal did not go through.
Now the club’s mood is to sell him, though it is unclear whether any club in the world would currently consider taking him.
Alaba is simply not reliable anymore. He continues to suffer injuries and delivers no return on the wages he withdraws.
So the situation is this: Madrid will likely have to keep Alaba for another season, pay him his full salary of 22.5 million euros, all while being unable to count on him. Even with the Austrian staying, Madrid must still look to sign a centre-back.