David Alaba has completed a permanent transfer to Udinese as a free agent following the expiration of his Real Madrid contract in the summer. The 34-year-old defender put pen to paper on a one-year deal as he is set to begin a new chapter in Italy.
David Alaba joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2021 on a free transfer and spent five trophy-laden years in the Spanish Capital, winning 11 trophies. Alaba is a serial winner, and he boasts 39 trophies in his trophy cabinet, including four Champions Leagues, four Club World Cups, two La Liga titles, one Copa Del Rey, three European Super Cups, ten Bundesliga titles, six German Cups, one Spanish Super Cup and three German Super Cups.
A full-fledged Austrian international, Alaba has earned 117 caps, scored 15 goals for his national side, and captained the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His reliable performances, versatility and professionalism at the highest levels of the game have defined his career.
“I’ve had many experiences and won a lot over the course of my career, but one thing hasn’t changed: I still want to win. I still want to compete. And I still want to achieve something special. That is the mindset I’m bringing to Udinese,” said Alaba in Udinese’s news release.
“The coach made it very clear what role he has in mind for me and what he wants us to achieve together. Naturally, I want to bring my experience to the dressing room, take on responsibility, and help out whenever possible, especially with the younger players.”
“I’m not coming here just to be the veteran of the squad, and I certainly didn’t come here to wind down my career. I’m still too ambitious for that, and I still strongly believe in what I can do on the pitch. I want to keep pushing, perform at the highest level in Serie A week in and week out, and achieve something meaningful. I’m really excited about this challenge, and I still have a lot to prove to myself,” added Alaba.
Franco Collavino, Udinese’s GM, expressed his delight at Alaba’s signing in a news release.
“Signing David Alaba is a source of immense satisfaction for the entire club. We are welcoming an established champion, a leader and an exemplary professional. His arrival shows Udinese’s determination to grow and compete at the highest level as well as build an increasingly ambitious squad.”
David Alaba has played for the biggest clubs in Europe and brings a wealth of experience and a stacked trophy cabinet to Udine. He was a part of Bayern Munich’s continental treble-winning team and Real Madrid’s Champions League-winning side twice. He is a valuable addition to Kosta Runjaić’s side, which sits in 13th place in the Serie A table after five matches and has registered one win, one draw and three defeats.
Alaba’s New Chapter
David Alaba’s stint at Real Madrid, albeit successful, was frequently plagued by injuries towards the end of his five-year stint. His recurring injuries played a major role in Madrid’s refusal to renew his contract and let him leave on a free transfer. Alaba suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee in December 2023, keeping him sidelined for over a year. Following his return, he struggled for fitness and game time with the La Liga giants before the expiration of his contract in the summer. He remained without a club till news of him signing for Udinese dropped like a bolt out of the blue.
The move is perfect for Alaba and Udinese in many ways. One of his biggest strengths throughout his career has been his tactical versatility. He has been deployed in a centre-back or left-back role for the majority of his career, but when needed, he can slot into midfield and perform excellently in the role. His technical qualities are excellent, and his superb leadership skills are unquestionable.
He could easily achieve cult hero status in Udine. He most likely won’t win Serie A titles, but he could herald a special chapter in the club’s folklore. Udinese have suffered from injuries and suspensions in their back line. Alaba’s arrival is a welcome addition to the ailing defensive line. His experience and stellar abilities will serve as a reference point for the younger players. He can protect the backline while mentoring Udinese’s present and future generations. The only caveat is his fitness.
