David Alaba's example disrupts Madrid's plans: Florentino turns to Portugal

David Alaba landed at Real Madrid with the label of a complete footballer. He arrived on a free transfer from Bayern when he was one of the best players in the world. His extreme versatility, which allowed him to be able to perform as a center-back, full-back, or even in buildup play as a holding midfielder, fit like a glove in Florentino Pérez's idea.

That profile, moreover, came with an experience that at Bernabéu has always been valued. Alaba had lived great nights, had lifted Champions League trophies, and knew how to compete when the pressure truly weighs. That's why, although the transfer was at zero cost, Real Madrid didn't skimp on the most delicate part: the personal agreement.

David Alaba secured a great contract at an individual level, in line with his status and his competitive importance. The "4" placed himself at the top of the wage pyramid in the white locker room, currently being in the top 5 best-paid players in the squad. At first, the deal seemed beneficial for all parties, because Madrid ensured an elite player without paying a transfer fee and the footballer signed a great contract.

Over time, however, the operation has left an uncomfortable lesson on the executive floor at Bernabéu. David Alaba's physical fragility has kept him away from the field for too long with a very high and long-lasting contract. When a club pays a star salary, it expects absolute availability, especially in a back line where absences are felt in a brutal way.

What happened with David Alaba causes changes in Real Madrid's approach

That's why Florentino Pérez has made a decision for the next summer transfer window. David Alaba will leave because his contract expires and it will not be renewed under the current conditions. But not only that, because the president has also changed the approach to finding his replacement as a result of this episode.

Madrid has been evaluating different top-level options for months to strengthen the back line such as Upamecano and Konaté. They are two elite defenders whose contracts are expiring and who, given their qualities, would fit into any major European project. However, both are asking for a very high salary, and Florentino doesn't want to repeat an operation like David Alaba's, where the wage becomes a medium-term risk.

Ousmane Diomandé, the chosen one

The new objective is to find a younger defender with lower financial demands. He must be a footballer with room to grow, who arrives hungry and who can integrate into the Valdebebas ecosystem without disrupting the wage structure of a locker room full of superstars. This is where Diomandé appears, the defensive reference at Sporting de Portugal and Real Madrid's new target.

Ousmane Diomandé is 22 years old, has a market value close to €45 million, and is already on the radar of several European giants. His profile fits what Florentino Pérez is looking for. Moreover, the contractual context plays in Madrid's favor, because his contract runs until 2027 and his price shouldn't be very high.

We will see whether Florentino takes the step, but after seeing what has happened with David Alaba, Diomandé's signing makes a great deal of sense for the medium and long term. Madrid needs to build a reliable defense without mortgaging the locker room with enormous salaries.