Real Madrid star David Alaba will not be heading to Saudi Arabia this week, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.
There were rumours linking the 31-year-old with Al-Ittihad, with the Saudi Arabian window staying open for longer than the European transfer window, but these reports have turned out to be false.
The defender is a crucial part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, and given the long-term injury to Eder Militao, there is no way that Real Madrid would sanction a sale now. Alaba also has no intentions of departing Madrid, or moving to Saudi Arabia any time soon.
“Told rumours about David Alaba and Saudi’s Al Ittihad are 100% wide of mark. No chance for Alaba to leave Real Madrid or for Real Madrid to let David leave, not even for crazy bid,” Romano tweeted.
“Alaba loves Real Madrid, loves the city and the club. No chance to leave at all.”
Too important to sell
Alaba is one of the most decorated players in the history of football, and he and Toni Kroos are the only two players to ever win every possible trophy with two different clubs.
Even before Militao’s injury, Alaba was one of Real Madrid’s most experienced and important players, and a sale would have been out of the question anyway.
The Austrian is an almost guaranteed starter at left centre-back, and his ability on the ball is important for Real Madrid’s ability to build up play.
With the transfer window closed for incomings, Real Madrid will not sell the player for any price, as there is no way to replace him.
Antonio Rudiger and Nacho are the only other senior centre-backs at the club, making Alaba arguably one of the most important members of the whole squad.