Picture Udinese post chair hint as Alaba leaves Madrid

Udinese have effectively confirmed a free transfer for Austrian defender David Alaba by sharing a cheeky chair image on their official X account, a move that follows the defender’s contract expiry at Real Madrid. The post, captioned “Picture Udinese”, references Alaba’s famous 2022 celebration and signals his imminent departure from Madrid. Fabrizio Romano broke the news this morning, and the Serie A club appear ready to finalise the deal.

Udinese secure a high‑profile free signing

The Friulian side have endured a difficult start to the Serie A campaign, recording one win, one draw and three defeats in their opening five matches. Adding a player of Alaba’s calibre is seen as a boost to a defence that has struggled for stability. The club’s social‑media hint, a white chair, directly alludes to the Austrian’s iconic celebration after Real Madrid’s comeback against PSG in the 2022 Champions League round of 16.

Alaba’s trophy‑laden résumé underlines the coup

Alaba, born in 1992, has been named Austrian Footballer of the Year ten times and boasts an impressive collection of honours: four Club World Cups, four UEFA Super Cups, four Champions Leagues, one Copa del Rey, one Spanish Super Cup, two league titles, six German Super Cups, six German Cups and ten German league championships. His experience at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich makes him one of the most decorated active players.

Udinese sign Alaba, Ekkelenkamp gets four‑time Champions League

The defender’s contract with Real Madrid ran out on 30 June, allowing him to leave on a free transfer. Prior to Udinese’s announcement, clubs such as Union Berlin, Club America, Inter Miami and Al‑Sadd were reported to be monitoring his situation.

On MARCH 02, 2026 in SPAIN, David Alaba featured for Real Madrid in a LaLiga EA Sports match against Getafe at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. The fixture highlighted his continued involvement at the highest level before the impending move.

Udinese seals the deal: David Alaba ready to wear the Italian shirt

Udinese are expected to issue an official statement on their website to confirm the verbal agreement. With the free‑transfer deal, the club aim to strengthen a backline that has conceded heavily in the early season.