According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Real Madrid’s attempts to reshape their defence have hit a significant snag, as veteran defender David Alaba has reportedly rejected an offer from the club to terminate his contract early.
The primary motivation behind the club’s desire to part ways with the Austrian international stems from his persistent and troublesome injury problems. His frequent spells on the sidelines have become a major concern for the management and new head coach Xabi Alonso.
As a result, Real Madrid put forward a proposal to pay Alaba a portion of his remaining salary in a lump sum, effectively attempting to buy out the rest of his contract. This was a clear move designed to free up both a squad spot and his significant wages.
However, Alaba has refused the offer and is determined to stay at the club. The 34-year-old is now expected to see out the remainder of his contract, which runs until the summer of 2026.
This development complicates the club’s ambitious plans to sign new top-tier defenders. Real Madrid are heavily targeting Premier League centre-backs like William Saliba and Ibrahima Konaté, and freeing up Alaba’s salary was seen as a key step in financing these major potential deals.
Real Madrid’s ruthless attempt to clear space for their new era has been blocked by a senior player standing his ground. With Alaba now set to stay, the club must reassess its financial strategy as it continues its pursuit of its top defensive targets this summer.
