Austrian defender David Alaba has reached a verbal agreement to join Serie A club Udinese as a free agent, according to a report Wednesday from transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, with only formal steps remaining before the move is confirmed.
Alaba, 34, became a free agent on July 1 after Real Madrid opted not to renew his contract at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, ending a five-year spell with the Spanish club that yielded two Champions League titles. He had previously spent 13 seasons at Bayern Munich, where he won a further two Champions League crowns before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2021.
Romano said Alaba has since traveled to Italy to complete the move, with a medical examination expected to precede his signing. Reports indicate the defender had also been offered to several other Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus, before settling on Udinese. German club Union Berlin had also been linked with interest.
Udinese alluded to the pending arrival on social media Tuesday, posting an image of a white chair, a reference to Alaba’s celebration for Real Madrid during a Champions League comeback victory over Paris Saint-Germain in 2022.
The club, coached by Kosta Runjaic, has taken one win, one draw and three losses from its opening five Serie A matches this season, conceding 11 goals over that span. Alaba is expected to provide defensive depth and experience once the transfer is finalized. Udinese’s next fixture is scheduled for October 12 against Torino.
Alaba was not included in Austria’s most recent squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, a decision reports have linked to his focus on finalizing his club future.
