- Fiorentina open talks with Madrid for Alaba
- Los Blancos ready to let him leave on a free transfer
- Austrian has struggled with injuries in recent seasons
De acuerdo a Football Espana Madrid have received an approach from Fiorentina for Alaba, who has fallen out of favour at the Santiago Bernabeu after two injury-hit seasons. The 33-year-old Austrian defender has featured sparingly since suffering a serious knee injury, playing just 599 minutes in nearly 18 months. With Los Blancos well-stocked in defence thanks to Dean Huijsen Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Raul Asencio, the club are open to letting the veteran depart, even on a free transfer, to ease their wage bill.
Alaba, once a key figure in Madrid’s defence after his move from Bayern Múnich, has been hampered by repeated fitness problems. Earning €22.5 million (£19m/$26m) annually, his wages are a strain for the Whites, who are focusing on younger defensive options. Fiorentina are looking to strengthen their backline, particularly with Pietro Comuzzo expected to move to Saudi Arabia. The Serie A side see Alaba’s experience as crucial, though they are also linked with former Manchester United defensor Victor Lindelof.
Liga Profesional Saudí clubs such as Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli have previously been linked with Alaba, but none made formal offers. According to reports, La Viola are putting together a two-year contract proposal, hoping to lure the defender with the promise of regular football something he craves ahead of next summer’s Copa del Mundo.
Alaba’s entourage had maintained he would stay at Madrid, but Fiorentina’s concrete approach could change the situation quickly. If terms are agreed, the Serie A club will move fast to close the deal before the window shuts.
