David Alaba has arrived in Italy for a medical and to complete a surprise move to Udinese.
The former Real Madrid defender will sign a one-year contract until June 2027. The deal includes an option to extend for a further season based on his performances.
The Austrian international has been a free agent since his Real Madrid contract expired on June 30. Udinese will pay no transfer fee for the 34-year-old.
Alaba completed his medical at Villa Stuart in Rome on Wednesday, and formal steps will follow before the club makes an official announcement.
Alaba leaves Real Madrid after five seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu. He won two Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns and one Copa del Rey.
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The defender made 132 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. Injuries limited his impact in recent seasons. An ACL tear in December 2023 kept him out for more than a year.
Real Madrid opted against offering him a new contract. Club president Florentino Pérez paid tribute to Alaba in May. “Real Madrid will always be his home,” Pérez said.
Why Udinese signed Alaba
Udinese needed defensive reinforcements urgently. Oumar Solet picked up an injury that will rule him out for several weeks. Thomas Kristensen also left for Atalanta.
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The club lacked a defensive leader. Alaba fits that profile perfectly, because his experience and versatility will strengthen a young backline. He can also play in midfield if required.
Udinese manager Kosta Runjaić is also Austrian-born. The English-speaking dressing room will help Alaba settle quickly.
Alaba began his career at Bayern Munich. He won 25 trophies with the Bavarian giants, including two Champions League titles.
He joined Real Madrid in 2021 as a free transfer from Bayern. He won four Champions League titles across his career with both clubs.
Alaba also captains the Austria national team. He represented his country at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Alaba should return to action after the international break. He will need time to regain match fitness, as his last appearance came at the World Cup in June.
Udinese sit 13th in Serie A after five matches, and they have conceded 11 goals already. Alaba’s arrival could stabilize a leaky defence.
The Austrian legend begins again in Italy.
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