Florentino already knows it: he'll pack his bags to seek minutes away from Real Madrid

David Alaba's time at Real Madrid is entering its final stretch. In the last few hours, different reports indicate that player and club assume that the best option is to part ways at the end of the season. The decision doesn't come as a complete surprise, but it does mark the end of an important chapter.

Since his arrival in 2021, Alaba quickly became a key piece. He took on a leadership role in defense, provided international experience, and was decisive in high-stakes matches. His ball-playing ability and competitive character fit perfectly into the model of the white team.

From defensive reference to secondary role

During his first three seasons, the Austrian center-back was a regular starter. His versatility and his ability to adapt to different systems made him indispensable. In the locker room, moreover, he acted as a respected voice, someone who was used to living with the pressure of the big stages.

However, the passage of time and, above all, injuries changed the picture. The long absences affected his continuity and his competitive rhythm, and recovering his best version became a complicated task. The team kept moving forward, new alternatives emerged, and his prominence was progressively reduced.

Injuries, a turning point

There were especially tough moments, such as that image on the Bernabéu field, in pain and unable to continue. The relapses and recovery times that were longer than expected caused uncertainty both for the player and for the coaching staff.

In a club like Real Madrid, the demands are constant. The name and the past are not enough, and availability and immediate performance carry more weight than any previous track record. That reality ended up conditioning his role within the project, and although he always showed professionalism, he no longer managed to regain the consistency that had turned him into a reference.

A quiet but significant exit

Florentino Pérez is already aware of the player's position. The intention is to look for a destination where he can feel important again, accumulate minutes, and close his time at the elite level with prominence. This is not a conflict, but a joint decision that responds to sporting logic.

If there are no surprises, Alaba will complete five seasons at the Bernabéu, a cycle that began with trophies and leadership and ends marked by injuries. His legacy remains, especially in the big matches where he managed to rise to the occasion. Now, he will write the next chapter far from Madrid, with the intention of enjoying soccer again on the field and not in the infirmary.