Crisis brewing: Real Madrid veteran is becoming a sporting and financial burden for the club | OneFootball

Real Madrid find themselves in a difficult position regarding David Alaba. Once seen as a pillar of their defence, the Austrian veteran has now slipped to fifth-choice centre-back in the squad, largely due to persistent injuries and his hefty wage packet.

Since suffering a devastating ACL injury in 2023, Alaba’s time at the club has been plagued by physical setbacks. His recovery took longer than expected – 399 days, to be precise.

He eventually made his return in January 2025, but things did not go as planned. Far from a triumphant comeback, Alaba’s return was marred by further injuries, limiting him to just 14 appearances last season.

Of those, he started only five games and completed just one full match.

A problem for Real Madrid

Alaba’s situation worsened in February with an adductor injury, followed by a torn meniscus in late April, which required yet another surgery.

These setbacks have ruled him out for the foreseeable future, leaving Real Madrid with a player they can’t rely on physically.

David Alaba has struggled to stay fit. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

During his absence, the club has moved forward. Youngster Raul Asencio has been promoted, and Dean Huijsen has been signed to strengthen the back line.

Even in the left-back slot, Real Madrid now have solid options with Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia, and Ferland Mendy all vying for minutes.

Beyond the fitness issues, the financial aspect is also weighing heavily. Alaba is among the highest earners at the club, with a net salary of €22.5 million per season and his contract runs until June 2026.

Internally, the club is beginning to accept that Alaba may never return to the level he once displayed. While a sale or loan would be ideal, no serious offers have come in, likely due to doubts over his ability to play regularly at the top level again.

For now, Real Madrid are left with little choice but to honour his contract, even if they can’t count on him to contribute on the pitch.

Alaba remains respected in the dressing room, but from a sporting and financial perspective, his presence is quickly becoming a burden.