Alaba's summer crossroads: Messi or Modric after Real Madrid exit

David Alaba, the Austrian defender who left Real Madrid, faces a summer decision that could see him reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami or with Luka Modric at AC Milan, as the Merengues reshape their back line this upcoming season.

The Merengues have already bolstered the defence by signing three new centre‑backs: World Cup winner Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, signalling a major overhaul of the back line.

While the defensive reshuffle is underway, the midfield core remains largely unchanged, yet recent additions such as Rodri Hernandez and Yan Diomande have the potential to alter the team’s attacking dynamics significantly.

Two senior players departed at the end of the last season: Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, and more than a month after their exits neither has confirmed a new club.

The Spaniard, Dani Carvajal, spent the entire summer searching for a new team after being omitted from the World Cup squad, leaving him free to negotiate a transfer.

The Austrian, David Alaba, captained his national side at the World Cup, guiding Austria to the Round of 32 before they were knocked out by eventual champions Spain.

After the tournament, Alaba remained in the United States for a vacation in Miami; Diario AS reported that this location could be decisive as Inter Miami, owned by David Beckham, have expressed interest in signing him alongside Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and recent recruit Casemiro.

Another viable pathway lies in Europe with AC Milan, where Alaba could once again line up beside Luka Modric, rekindling the partnership that proved productive during their time together at Real Madrid.

With both the MLS and Serie A options on the table, Alaba’s future remains undecided despite the month‑long free‑agent period, leaving his next destination an open question for the coming transfer window.