Real Madrid Begins Defensive Overhaul as David Alaba Set for Surprise Exit

Real Madrid are set for some reinforcements in the new season, which will start with some big names leaving the club. One of those players is the Austrian defender David Alaba.

The ex-Bayern Munich is set to see his way out of the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, as part of a massive defensive overhaul at the club.

Los Blancos have been dealing with the issues on the defensive front for quite some time now, and want to have some new faces who can carry the legacy of the club forward in the coming years.

Alaba's contract with one of the best clubs in the world, Real Madrid, is set to expire in the summer, and the Spanish giants have no intention of renewing it for another season or two.

David Alaba's departure news ahead of the Benfica vs Real Madrid clash in the UCL might make some of the fans sad, as the Austrian has been part of some of the greatest moments at the club in the last five years. However, things changed since the centre-back/fullback started getting recurring injuries.

The 33-year-old isn't at the top of his game anymore and has slipped down the pecking order below the likes of Raul Asencio, Antonio Rudiger, and newly recruited Dean Huijsen, who have really put in a better shift than the veteran in the past few months.

The current David Alaba injury update is that he is fit enough to be included in the matchday squad list for the playoff first leg against Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. However, the Austrian won't get to start automatically in this match. The possibility of him getting a few minutes at the tail-end of the game might be positive.

What Next for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid have listed down a lot of top names to replace the void left by David Alaba, but one name that has been doing the rounds most is Nico Schlotterbeck. The German centre-back has made his desire known to play for the Royal Whites; now it's up to Florentino Perez and co. to decide whether to make him the first signing of the new season.

What Next for David Alaba?

As per reports, David Alaba is set to explore options in Europe as well as in the US and Saudi Arabia, but has his priorities set on a move within Europe to keep playing competitive football for a bit more time.