Real Madrid pessimistic about injury-prone defensive duo’s chances of leaving this summer | OneFootball

According to journalist Mario Cortegana in The Athletic, it has come to light that Real Madrid would ideally like to part ways with David Alaba and Ferland Mendy this summer, but the chances of them leaving are looking slim.

The journalist assures that senior club sources have confirmed that every position in the squad is already covered by two players, filling all 25 available spots in the La Liga roster.

Despite this, no player has expressed a desire to leave, making it difficult for Xabi Alonso to bring in further reinforcements.

Furthermore, one anonymous squad member told The Athletic: “I don’t think the squad is closed yet,” while admitting that with every position taken, some players will barely feature this season.

However, without outgoing transfers, any potential new signings remain unlikely.

Alaba and Mendy low in the pecking order

It is to be noted that Alaba has slipped far down the centre-back hierarchy, now considered the fifth-choice option behind Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, and Raul Asencio – not particularly in that order.

David Alaba is no longer a consistent presence at Real Madrid. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

While his chances in defence look limited, his versatility could still be valuable, Alonso may use him as an emergency pivot, a role he previously played during his Bayern Munich days.

Ferland Mendy’s situation is even more difficult. The Frenchman has become the third-choice left-back, sitting behind Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia.

His persistent injury problems are a major concern and could explain why there is so little transfer interest in him.

The club’s reluctance to keep players with limited roles clashes with the reality that neither Alaba nor Mendy is attracting serious offers.

Until a breakthrough happens, Alonso must work with a full but inflexible squad, limiting his ability to reshape the team before the transfer window closes.