Udinese’s next chapter is set to open with an image rather than a declaration: a white chair posted across the club’s social channels, a quiet reference to David Alaba and the celebration prop that became associated with his years at Real Madrid. The Austrian defender is now close to bringing that long European career to Serie A.
The coach and the club
Udinese have reached an agreement with Alaba, who is expected in Rome for medical examinations today. Once those checks are completed, he is due to sign his contract and begin his time in the black-and-white shirt.
The move would be a notable piece of work for the Friulian club. Alaba became a free agent on 30 June after five seasons with Real Madrid, and Udinese are preparing to offer him a new stage following a career spent at the summit of the European game.
At 34, he arrives with an uncommon record for a player entering the Italian championship. He made 431 appearances for Bayern Munich before adding 132 for Real Madrid, winning four Champions League titles in the process: two in Germany and two in Spain.
A decorated career, and a recent test
His recent seasons have also been shaped by fitness problems. Alaba made only 16 appearances last season, a figure that forms part of the calculation behind this opportunity for both player and club.
Yet his international standing has remained clear. At the most recent World Cup, he started each of Austria’s four matches. If the medical process and contract signing proceed as planned, Udinese will add a defender whose career has included Bayern, Madrid and four European crowns, now ready for a different kind of Sunday afternoon in Italy.
