Former Real Madrid defender David Alaba has reached a verbal agreement to join Serie A club Udinese as a free agent following his departure from the Spanish giants. Alaba's contract with Real Madrid expired this summer, making him a free agent. The Austrian international is expected to bring considerable experience to Udinese's defence after spending several years competing at the highest level of European football.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Alaba and Udinese have reached a verbal agreement, with the Italian club now expected to complete the remaining formalities before the transfer can be officially confirmed. Romano announced the development in a post on his X account, describing Alaba's arrival as a major signing for Udinese.
Alaba joined Real Madrid in 2021 after ending a highly successful spell with German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. During his time at Real Madrid, the versatile defender featured as a centre-back and left-back, while also providing experience in major domestic and European competitions. His spell in the Spanish capital included important honours, although his final seasons were disrupted by injuries that restricted his playing time.
With his Real Madrid contract now expired, Alaba has been considering his next destination, with Udinese emerging as the club to have secured his verbal commitment. The proposed transfer would allow the 33-year-old to continue his professional career in one of Europe's major leagues while offering Udinese an experienced option in defence.
Alaba's move to Udinese would also create an interesting Nigerian connection at the Italian club because of his Nigerian heritage. The defender's father, George Alaba, is Nigerian, while his mother, Gina, is Austrian. Alaba was born in Vienna and represents Austria at international level. If the transfer is completed, Alaba will share the Udinese dressing room with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Alaba arrives with an impressive record from his years at Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Before moving to Spain, he spent more than a decade associated with Bayern, where he developed into one of Europe's most decorated defenders. His versatility has been one of his major strengths, allowing him to operate in central defence, at left-back and in midfield when required.
The agreement with Udinese is yet to become an official transfer, with Romano stressing that formal steps still need to be completed. Once those procedures are concluded, Alaba is expected to become an Udinese player and begin a new chapter of his career in Italy. Udinese will hope that his experience can strengthen the team's defensive options, particularly as the Austrian remains capable of contributing leadership and tactical knowledge despite his recent injury problems.
Key points
- David Alaba agrees verbal deal to join Udinese as free agent
- Alaba's move to Udinese creates Nigerian connection with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye
- Alaba expected to bring considerable experience to Udinese's defence
