Real Madrid have reportedly offered experienced centre-back David Alaba to Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray, as they look to reshape their defensive unit ahead of the new season.
The 33-year-old Austrian defender joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2021 and made 85 appearances during his first two seasons. However, his impact has diminished drastically over the past year due to persistent injury issues.
Alaba suffered a serious knee injury in December 2023 that sidelined him for over a year. Although he returned briefly in January, further fitness setbacks followed. He is currently recovering from a meniscus injury that has kept him out of Real Madrid’s first three matches in the ongoing Club World Cup.
Softfootball gathered that the Spanish giants have offered Alaba to Galatasaray through intermediaries. With Alaba no longer central to manager Xabi Alonso’s plans—and being one of the highest earners at the club—Real Madrid are eager to move him on and reduce their wage bill.
Galatasaray are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, but financial constraints could complicate any potential deal. There’s no official indication yet of an agreed fee or advanced negotiations.
Real Madrid’s backline has evolved, with Dean Huijsen’s £50m arrival from Bournemouth pushing Alaba further down the pecking order.
Alonso’s preferred defensive options now include Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, and Eder Militao. Additionally, Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni are capable of filling in at centre-back if Alonso chooses a back three system.
Real Madrid will once again be without star forward Kylian Mbappe when they face Pachuca in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday — a development confirmed in an earlier Softfootball report. Although he’s now recovering and back at the club’s training base, he will not feature this weekend.
Given the increased competition and his ongoing physical issues, Alaba faces limited playing time unless a transfer materializes before his current contract expires in 2026.