
Tensions rising at Real Madrid as Mbappe saga reaches 'flashpoint'
Tensions escalate at Real Madrid as Mbappe saga reaches a critical point.
Real Madrid is set to part ways with veteran defender David Alaba, freeing up €25 million in salary space. His exit comes after a successful tenure, including winning La Liga and the Champions League.
Mentioned in this story
Real Madrid veteran defender’s exit to free up €25 million in salary space
David Alaba is quietly enjoying his final weeks as a Real Madrid player.
The Austrian arrived in 2021 following Sergio Ramos’ departure to form a new defensive partnership with Eder Militao, and the impact was immediate.
During the 2021/22 campaign, Real Madrid won both La Liga and the Champions League, with both defenders performing at a very high level.
However, things went downhill for him ever since, with injuries stopping him from performing at his best.
Now, as reported by AS, Alaba is set to bid goodbye to Real Madrid at the end of the current season when his contract expires. His exit will free up salary space worth close to €25 million.
Alaba suffered an ACL injury back in December 2023 and has never been able to return to his best since then. He played only 17 games (1407 minutes) in the 2023/24 season whereas last term he featured for only 599 minutes across 14 matches.
Alaba’s time at Real Madrid is up. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
In the ongoing campaign, his minutes have further reduced – 415 across 14 games – and there is no indication that he will be able to add that in the final four matches.
David Alaba is leaving to help Real Madrid free up €25 million in salary space.
David Alaba contributed significantly to Real Madrid's success, helping the team win both La Liga and the Champions League during the 2021/22 season.
Real Madrid will gain €25 million in salary space from David Alaba's departure.

Tensions escalate at Real Madrid as Mbappe saga reaches a critical point.
Four-star defensive lineman Alifeleti Tuihalamaka commits to USC!
Did Ishan Kishan mock PBKS with his viral post after IPL 2026?
Pujara baffled by Pant's underwhelming IPL record despite Test success
Wenger claims Champions League trophy belongs at Arsenal as they face PSG in the final.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
What his departure will leave behind is significant room in the wage bill, creating space for Real Madrid to pursue a new defensive profile. Alaba arrived after Ramos left and inherited his salary, around €12 million net per season, which amounts to nearly €25 million gross.
He remains one of the highest-paid players in the squad, an expense that has not reflected his level of participation.
There have been no indications about where his next destination will be, although superagent Pini Zahavi was in Italy to talk about Alaba’s situation with Serie A clubs. It remains to be seen if he does end up there.