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Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is all set to inform David Alaba that he will no longer be a first-team regular at the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Defensa Central. The Austrian defender has struggled with injuries in recent campaigns and managed just 14 appearances across competitions in the recently concluded season.
Alaba picked up an ACL injury in December 2023 and only returned to action in January this year. However, he has since suffered two separate injuries and isn't expected to feature at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 32-year-old is under contract with Los Blancos until 2026 and is among the highest earners at the club. The LaLiga giants, however, now have doubts about his long-term fitness, with recurring injuries to his knee a cause of concern.
Alaba reportedly wants to stay with Real Madrid, but his stance could change following a heart-to-heart with Xabi Alonso. The Spanish manager is all set to begin his official tenure as Los Blancos manager with a training session on Monday.
Alonso will inform Alaba on Monday that he is no longer part of his plans. According to the report, the Spanish manager's message will be respectful but firm:
“In principle, we’re not counting on you, but if you want to stay, you’ll be one more.”
Xabi Alonso is keen to have Alaba around, but can no longer guarantee him regular game time. Meanwhile, a move away from Real Madrid may not materialize unless the Austrian is willing to take a pay cut.
Are Real Madrid eyeing a move for Martin Zubimendi this summer?
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Martin Zubimendi
Real Madrid are looking to hijack Arsenal's move for Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to AS. The LaLiga giants are planning to add a new orchestrator to their midfield, with Luke Modric set to leave this summer.
Zubimendi has emerged as an option following some consistent performances for Real Sociedad over the years. The 25-year-old reportedly has a €60m release clause in his deal, which Los Blancos are unwilling to pay.
However, Xabi Alonso wants his countryman on his roster, forcing Real Madrid into action. The LaLiga giants are ready to offer players in exchange for Zubimendi to convince Real Sociedad.
While Arsenal are offering the Spaniard €10m in wages, Los Blancos are only willing to hand him a contract worth €6-7m. Interestingly, Zubimendi has paused talks with the Gunners as he prefers to move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu is a veteran football journalist who has been covering daily transfer roundups and news for over six years at Sportskeeda. He has written over 9000 articles for the website, and has garnered close to 20 million reads.
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