David Alaba could leave Real Madrid before his contract ends
The future of David Alaba at Real Madrid is more open than ever. At 33 years old, the Austrian defender is going through a decisive moment in his career. Although he remains an important player in the white locker room, his high salary and age make the club seriously consider his departure. According to journalist Sébastien Vidalfrom the French outlet Weekend Sports, an MLS team has already knocked on Madrid’s door: New York City FC.
Florentino Pérez has no plans to renew his contract
Alaba is under contract with Real Madrid until June 2026, but the club has already made a decision: he won’t be renewed. Florentino believes the Austrian’s cycle is coming to an end and that keeping him would be too much of a financial burden for Madrid.
The defender earns more than €22 million per season, a figure that places him among the highest-paid footballers in the squad. In the current context, with a policy of rejuvenation and wage control, Real Madrid isn’t willing to keep up that financial pace beyond what was agreed.
New York City willing to make an immediate offer
The big surprise has come from the United States. According to Sébastien Vidal, New York City FC, one of the most ambitious clubs in MLS, has shown very serious interest in Alaba. The proposal from the North American side amounts to €1.75 million ($1.9 million), a symbolic amount but enough for Madrid to accept the deal.
Florentino Pérez won’t put obstacles in the way of the player’s departure. In fact, the board believes it would be an elegant way to close his chapter at the club: leaving for a less demanding league, but with an attractive and high-profile project.
David Alaba has the final say
The decision, in any case, is in David Alaba’s hands. The defender still feels able to compete at the highest level and has stated on more than one occasion that he’d like to fulfill his contract until 2026.
However, the club knows that his role has plummeted with the emergence of players like Éder Militao or Huijsen, in addition to his injury problems.
If he decides to stay, he’ll do so knowing his prominence will be minimal in the final stretch of the campaign. If, on the other hand, he accepts New York City’s proposal, he could sign one last major international contract… as well as open a new chapter in a high-profile environment with a good quality of life.
The farewell of a silent leader
Since his arrival at Real Madrid in 2021 from Bayern, David Alaba has been a key piece in defense and a leader in the locker room. His character, professionalism, and versatility were decisive in winning LaLiga and the 2022 Champions League.
Xabi Alonso doesn’t trust David Alaba | Getty Images, Madrid-Barcelona
But time passes for everyone, and Real Madrid, true to its policy of constant renewal, prefers to look to the future. If Alaba decides to leave in January, the club will open its doors to him with honors, thanking him for his commitment and dedication.
A decision that will mark his end at the elite
The coming weeks will be decisive. David Alaba must choose between staying at Santiago Bernabéu until June or starting his adventure in MLS. No one at the club will pressure him: the decision will be exclusively his.
What is clear is that, whatever his choice, the Austrian will leave an indelible mark at Real Madrid. If he finally accepts New York City’s proposal, he’ll do so knowing he’s leaving as a champion, respected for his dedication and professionalism.
