Real Madrid has already started planning for the next season as the current one draws to a close, and it seems that the defense line will be one of the positions the club aims to strengthen, given the uncertainty surrounding the future of Austrian defender David Alaba.

Alaba joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, coming from Bayern Munich after his contract ended. However, he is now nearing the end of his stint with the club, as his contract expires on June 30th, amid significant doubts about his continuation.

According to press reports, Alaba's salary is among the highest on the team, as he signed a contract extending until the current season with a total value of 115 million euros, approximately 20 million euros annually with incentives and bonuses. Meanwhile, his net salary is estimated at around 14 million euros annually, an amount the player does not seem willing to compromise on.

On the other hand, the dynamics of Real Madrid's defense line have changed, especially after the recent improvement in the performance of German defender Antonio Rüdiger. The club is considering the possibility of extending his contract according to the policy of annual renewal for players who have surpassed a certain age.

Raúl Asencio's name also stands out as one of the emerging defenders in the team, alongside the promising future of young defender Juan Martinez. Additionally, the club is eager to sign a new center-back in the upcoming transfer window.

Alaba experienced a major turning point in his career with Real Madrid in December 2022 when he suffered a cruciate ligament tear during a match against Villarreal, an injury that kept him off the field for about 400 days.

Since that injury, the player has experienced a noticeable decline in his appearances. He played 46 matches in his first season with Real Madrid, but has only participated in 13 matches this current season, completing only two full matches.

With 9 rounds remaining in the Spanish league and a number of potential European matches, Alaba may have the opportunity to increase his appearances. However, current indications suggest that the Austrian defender is nearing the end of his journey with Real Madrid.