David Alaba Closing In on Udinese Move, Raising Questions Over Back Three
The short version
- David Alaba is set to join Udinese after 130-plus Real Madrid appearances and a Bayern Munich career.
- He could play centrally or on the left of Udinese's back three, competing with Enzo Ebosse for the left role.
- Oumar Solet and Matteo Palma are expected back from injury when league play resumes.
- Alaba's fitness is a concern after declining minutes at Madrid, though he started every Austria match at the World Cup before their last-32 exit.
- Udinese play away at Torino on Monday, October 12.
The Austrian defender's expected signing presents coach Kosta Runjaic with a selection puzzle once Serie A play resumes.
David Alaba appears set to join Udinese, handing head coach Kosta Runjaic a selection question at the back. The veteran Austrian arrives with more than 130 appearances for Real Madrid and a long Bayern Munich career on his resume.
Calciomercato reports that Alaba could fill either the middle position in Udinese's three-man defense or the left-sided role. The left side may be his most realistic route into the team, where he would compete with Enzo Ebosse for minutes.
Injuries have already disrupted Udinese's defensive plans this season. Oumar Solet and Matteo Palma were both sidelined before the international break, bringing Christian Kabasele into a lineup featuring Abankwah and Ebosse. Solet and Palma are anticipated to be available again when league play resumes, giving Runjaic depth rather than a crisis and allowing Alaba to regain sharpness gradually.
Fitness remains the main concern. Alaba's playing time at Madrid declined over time after a strong first campaign, as physical issues kept recurring. He nevertheless remained a fixture for Austria, starting each of their matches at the World Cup before the team was eliminated in the round of 32.
Udinese return to action with a trip to Torino on Monday, October 12. Beyond any single lineup decision, Alaba brings a left-footed defender who can carry the ball into midfield and an experienced voice for a squad whose defending has fallen short of its goals.
