Alaba: Ex-Real Madrid defender reaches surprise agreement with Udinese

Fabrizio Romano reports that David Alaba has reached an agreement with Udinese and is close to joining the Serie A club.

Former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender Alaba is close to joining Udinese.

Alaba has an agreement with Udinese

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 20: David Alaba of Real Madrid warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Sevilla FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has just reported on X that the experienced defender has reached a verbal agreement with the Bianconeri, who are now close to finalising the deal.

Romano reports that the two parties will now go ahead with ‘formal steps’ before putting pen to paper on their agreement.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 16: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal runs with the ball whilst under pressure from David Alaba of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Alaba, 34, is without a club after his contract with Real Madrid expired this past June, so he can immediately join Udinese on a free transfer.

A former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid star, the Austria international made 16 appearances with Real Madrid last season.

UDINE, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 07: Kosta Runjaic, Udinese manager, looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Friuli on September 07, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

During his time at the Bernabéu, Alaba scored five goals and provided nine assists in 132 appearances across all competitions.

Summer reports indicated that Alaba had been offered to top Serie A clubs, including Inter, Milan and Juventus.

Alaba has won, among other trophies, the Champions League four times and the German Bundesliga ten times.