David Alaba is closing in on a move to Udinese after completing his medical in Rome on Thursday morning, as per widespread reports. The former Real Madrid defender is now expected to travel north and finalise his free transfer to the Serie A club.
Alaba became a free agent after his Real Madrid (2.03) contract expired at the end of June this year. Despite interest from several clubs across Europe and beyond, the Austria international has opted for an unexpected new challenge in Italy.
Alaba Completes Udinese Medical
Alaba has completed his medical ahead of a move to Udinese. The 34-year-old underwent his examinations at Villa Stuart in Rome. The renowned medical facility is regularly used by professional sports teams in Italy. According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, no problems were detected during the tests.
The successful medical clears another major hurdle in the proposed transfer. Alaba is now expected to travel to Udine for the final stages of the agreement. He should sign his contract once the remaining administrative details have been completed. Udinese are therefore preparing to welcome one of the biggest names to join their squad in recent years.
His arrival would represent a major addition for the Serie A side. Alaba brings enormous experience from spells with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Moreover, he has spent much of his career competing at the highest level of European soccer.
Real Madrid Contract Came to an End
Alaba’s Real Madrid contract officially expired on June 30. The Spanish club had already confirmed in May that his time at the Santiago Bernabéu would end after the 2025-26 season.
Real Madrid confirmed that Alaba made 131 appearances for the club across five seasons. During that period, he won 11 trophies with the Spanish giants. His honours included two Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns.
The Austrian defender joined Real Madrid in 2021 after leaving Bayern Munich. He immediately became an important part of a side that won the Champions League and La Liga in his first season. His second Champions League triumph with Madrid came in 2024, adding to the two European titles he had already won with Bayern.
However, injuries affected the latter part of his Madrid career. Alaba suffered a serious knee injury in December 2023. He eventually returned to action and made appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. Real Madrid subsequently confirmed that the defender would leave the club when his contract expired.
Udinese Beat Competition for Alaba
Alaba’s availability as a free agent attracted interest from several clubs. Udinese were not the only team considering a move for the experienced defender. His potential destinations included clubs from different leagues and continents.
Serie A sides were among those linked with Alaba during the summer. Bundesliga club Union Berlin also emerged as an option. Furthermore, interest was reported from Club América in Mexico and Al-Sadd in Qatar. MLS club Inter Miami were also linked with the former Real Madrid player.
The range of interested clubs highlighted Alaba’s continued appeal. He remains an experienced international defender with a remarkable trophy record. Consequently, his decision to join Udinese represents an intriguing choice at this stage of his career.
A move to Italy would also give Alaba an opportunity to experience another major European league. He has already played extensively in Germany and Spain. Serie A would become the third major European competition of his club career. That change could provide a different challenge after his long spells with Bayern and Real Madrid.
A Decorated Career at Bayern Munich
Alaba established himself as a leading defender during his decade with Bayern Munich. He initially came through the German club’s youth system before becoming a first-team regular. His versatility allowed him to operate at left-back and in central defence.
The Austrian won 10 Bundesliga titles during his Bayern career. He also lifted the Champions League twice with the club. Those victories came in 2013 and 2020.
His 2020 Champions League triumph was part of a historic Bayern treble. The club also won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal that season. Alaba played a significant role in Bayern’s successful campaign. His experience at the highest level continued to grow as he became one of the team’s senior figures.
Bayern’s official records also underline the scale of his contribution. Alaba made more than 400 appearances for the German club. He won numerous domestic and international trophies during his time in Bavaria.
His move to Real Madrid in 2021 marked the beginning of another successful chapter. Alaba subsequently won more major honours in Spain. His European record, therefore, makes him a particularly experienced addition to Udinese.
What Alaba Can Bring to Udinese
Udinese will hope Alaba can provide experience to their defensive unit. The club are acquiring a player who has spent years competing in elite European competitions. He has also played alongside some of the biggest names in modern soccer.
Leadership could become another important part of his role. Alaba has captained Austria and held senior responsibilities at club level. His knowledge of the Champions League and international soccer could also benefit younger teammates.
At 34, Alaba is entering a different phase of his career. Therefore, his role at Udinese could differ from his responsibilities at Real Madrid. Rather than competing for every major European trophy, he will now focus on contributing in Serie A.
The Italian league could also suit a defender with Alaba’s tactical experience. Serie A has traditionally placed considerable emphasis on defensive organisation. Alaba’s ability to play centrally could give Udinese additional options at the back.
His fitness will nevertheless remain an important factor. The defender has dealt with significant injury problems in recent seasons. Udinese will therefore want to manage his workload carefully once the transfer becomes official.
Short-Term Contract Expected
Reports indicate that Alaba is expected to sign a short-term agreement with Udinese. The final contract details still need to be completed before the transfer can become official.
His medical has reportedly already been completed successfully. The next step is therefore the formal signing and registration of the player. Once those processes are finished, Alaba can join his new teammates in Udine.
Udinese supporters will then have the opportunity to see the former Real Madrid defender in Serie A. His debut will attract considerable attention because of his reputation and career achievements. For the club, however, the priority will be turning his experience into performances on the pitch.
That process could take time because Alaba has recently dealt with injuries and limited availability. Nevertheless, his arrival gives Udinese an experienced option in defence. It also provides the club with a player who has won almost every major European honour available at club level.
A New Chapter in Serie A
Alaba’s move to Udinese marks a significant change from the environment he has known for most of his senior career. He spent more than a decade with Bayern before joining Real Madrid. Both clubs regularly compete for domestic and European honours.
Udinese offer a very different challenge. The Austrian will now join a club operating outside the traditional group of European superpowers. His experience could therefore become particularly valuable within the squad.
For Alaba, the move provides an opportunity to continue playing at a high level. He has already experienced success in Germany and Spain. Serie A now offers another chapter in a career that has included four Champions League victories, 10 Bundesliga titles and two La Liga crowns.
Meanwhile, Udinese are securing a player with an exceptional CV. The defender has played in major finals, won domestic titles and represented Austria at international tournaments. His arrival should consequently generate significant interest around the club.
The transfer also demonstrates the attraction of experienced players on free transfers. Udinese can add an established international without paying a traditional transfer fee to Real Madrid. Alaba, meanwhile, receives the chance to continue his career in one of Europe’s major leagues.
Online sports betting enthusiasts are likely to monitor the move once Alaba’s transfer is officially registered. However, his immediate focus will be settling into the Udinese squad. The club must now complete the final paperwork before his move can be formally confirmed.
Udinese Await Final Formalities
Alaba has reportedly completed the medical that stood between him and his next club. He is now expected to travel from Rome to Udine. The final stages involve completing the contract and registration process.
Once everything is signed, the transfer will officially bring his Real Madrid chapter to an end. It will also begin his first spell in Serie A. Udinese will hope that the experienced Austrian can make an immediate contribution.
The move is certainly an unexpected destination for a player with Alaba’s career history. Nevertheless, it gives him another opportunity in one of Europe’s major leagues. His first appearances for Udinese will therefore be closely watched by supporters and observers across the continent.
For now, the key development is straightforward. Alaba has passed his medical and is closing in on becoming a Udinese player. The remaining steps should determine when the highly decorated defender can officially begin his new Serie A adventure.
