In Udine, where the transfer window has brought an unexpected continental name to the Friuli club, David Alaba is set to begin a new chapter in Serie A. The 34-year-old Austria international has chosen Udinese after leaving Real Madrid, ending speculation that had also linked him with Club América and a possible move to the Middle East.
Alaba’s route to Italy
- After almost five years in Madrid, Alaba departed Real Madrid with his next destination unclear. A move outside Europe, particularly to the Middle East, was initially considered a possibility.
- During August, América emerged as the strongest Liga MX link. The defender was offered to the Mexico City club, but the move did not progress, with his age among the factors behind América looking elsewhere.
- With the Mexican option no longer a priority, Alaba continued his search for a club and elected to remain in one of Europe’s leading leagues rather than move to a less competitive destination.
- As the market approached its close, Udinese became a serious possibility. An agreement was reached on 23 September for Alaba to join the Italian side for one season, with a deal running until June 2027.
- Udinese then posted an image of a chair on social media, a reference to Alaba’s well-known Champions League celebration during his Real Madrid spell. Days later, footage showed him arriving at the club’s training centre for medical examinations.
A fresh challenge after Madrid
Alaba arrives in Italy following a distinguished Bundesliga career with Bayern Munich and a subsequent period at Real Madrid. His time in Spain brought major occasions, but recent seasons were also disrupted by injuries, limiting his opportunities to retain a central role.
Udinese offer him the chance to restore that prominence in Serie A. For a player who has represented Austria internationally and played for two of Europe’s defining clubs, the move to the north-east of Italy keeps his career on the continent rather than taking him to Liga MX or the Middle East.
The agreement also closes the América discussion that had followed him through the window. Instead of Coapa, Alaba’s next stop is Udine, where a one-season assignment will take him into a new league and a new phase of his career.
