Xabi Alonso doesn't beat around the bush. He has already started making important decisions, and one of them has directly affected a player with seniority: David Alaba.
The Austrian, who arrived with star status from Bayern Munich, has become a problem for the new coaching staff.
David Alaba, sentenced by Xabi Alonso
Alaba knows he no longer has a place in the new project. Injuries have hampered his performance, and the emergence of players like Huijsen or Raúl Asencio as center-backs has left him without a spot. Rüdiger and Militao are the other options available.
Xabi Alonso, who doesn't want any dead weight in the squad, has been blunt: "Find a team, you're not going to play."
Despite the clear message, Alaba has no intention of leaving. His contract with Real Madrid runs until 2026 and his annual salary, close to €10 million net, is one of the highest in the locker room. The Austrian is willing to keep collecting his paycheck without being a protagonist.
His departure would free up key wage bill
In the offices, they are clear about it. If Alaba agrees to leave, one of the highest salaries in the squad would be freed up.
That would give the club more room to maneuver to make signings like Rodri as a midfielder. But the player is clinging to his contract.
Real Madrid has already informed his agent that he is officially on the market. His market value has dropped drastically due to injuries, but they are looking for a dignified exit for him, preferably to a European club that can take on part of his salary.
It's not Rodrigo, it's Alaba
While rumors pointed to a possible departure for Rodrygo, reality has taken an unexpected turn. It's not the Brazilian who is on the way out, but David Alaba, one of the untouchables from Ancelotti's era.
The club has accepted that they won't recover the defender's best version, and now Xabi Alonso wants to move on.
The coach wants a young, dynamic squad without outdated hierarchies. Alaba doesn't fit into that plan. Although his professionalism is not in question, his performance is no longer at the level required by Real Madrid's badge.
Uncertain future and a closed door
Alaba faces the biggest dilemma of his career. He can keep collecting his salary without playing or look for one last big contract in another league.
Saudi Arabia or MLS could be likely destinations, although the player is still resisting. What is clear is that, with Xabi Alonso, he won't get minutes at Real Madrid.