As the curtain quietly falls on David Alaba's Real Madrid tenure, the Austrian defender is preparing for an exit that will free up a staggering €25 million in salary space for the Spanish giants. Alaba's journey at the Bernabéu began in 2021, stepping into the massive shoes left by Sergio Ramos and forming a formidable partnership with Éder Militão. The impact was immediate—together, they powered Real Madrid to a historic double in the 2021/22 season, clinching both La Liga and the Champions League titles.

But as any sports fan knows, the game can be cruel. Since that triumphant campaign, Alaba's career has been derailed by a devastating ACL injury suffered in December 2023. The 31-year-old has never fully regained his explosive form, with his playing time dwindling dramatically: just 17 appearances in 2023/24, a mere 14 last term, and a paltry 14 games this season with only 415 minutes logged. With no signs of a resurgence in the final four matches, the writing has been on the wall.

Now, as reported by AS, Alaba will depart when his contract expires this summer. His exit isn't just a sentimental farewell—it's a financial game-changer. Inheriting Ramos's hefty salary of around €12 million net per season (grossing nearly €25 million), Alaba has remained one of the club's highest earners despite his limited contributions. That wage bill relief will be a golden opportunity for Real Madrid to hunt for a fresh defensive profile in the transfer market.

As for Alaba's next move, the rumor mill is heating up. Superagent Pini Zahavi has been spotted in Italy, sparking talks of a potential Serie A switch. Wherever he lands, one thing is clear: this chapter in Madrid is closing, but the legacy of that unforgettable 2021/22 double will linger long after his final whistle.