David Alaba has found his next destination after leaving Real Madrid, signing a two-season deal with Udinese that runs until June 2027.
The 34-year-old Austrian defender had been without a club since his Madrid contract ended in early July, bringing a close to five years in Spain. Udinese now offer him a fresh challenge in Serie A, with Alaba determined to show that the move is not a final stop in an already decorated career.
“I have not come here simply to be the experienced player in the squad, and I am certainly not here to finish my career,” Alaba said after completing the move. “I remain very ambitious and still believe strongly in what I can achieve on the pitch.”
Alaba’s final season at Real Madrid was restricted by injury, particularly a calf problem. He made 16 appearances in 2025-26, accumulating only 575 minutes across the campaign, but his summer with Austria suggested he remains capable of carrying a demanding role.
He started every match for Austria at the 2026 World Cup as captain, leading his country through to the round of 16 before a 3-0 defeat to Spain ended their run. With 117 international caps behind him, Alaba arrives in Udine with considerable experience and an insistence that there is still more to come.
