Serie A club Udinese have reached a verbal agreement with free-agent defender David Alaba, according to exclusive reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Should the deal be formalised, the veteran Austrian international will line up alongside Nigeria international Maduka Okoye, Udinese's first-choice goalkeeper.

Romano, whose "Here We Go" confirmation signals the completion of a transfer, indicated that formal steps still remain before the agreement is sealed. Nonetheless, the two parties are described as aligned, with Alaba considered a dream signing for the Friuli club.

A decorated career cut short by injury

Alaba, 34, left Real Madrid on 1 July 2026 after the club declined to renew his contract at the end of the 2025-26 season. During his five years at the Bernabéu, the centre-back and left-back won two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies — bringing his total Champions League haul to four.

Before his move to Spain, Alaba built his reputation at Bayern Munich, establishing himself as one of Europe's most versatile defenders. Injury problems restricted his playing time in recent seasons, but he remained a key figure for Austria, captaining the national side at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Multiple clubs chased Alaba before Udinese emerged

Since becoming a free agent, Alaba attracted interest from clubs across Europe, MLS, and Mexico — including reported approaches from sides in Serie A, the Bundesliga, and Liga MX. He also reportedly rejected a move to Chelsea before Udinese's interest gathered pace.

His father and adviser George Alaba confirmed that several enquiries had been received and that a decision was imminent. The verbal agreement with Udinese now appears to mark that decision.

What Alaba brings to Udinese

For Udinese, landing a player of Alaba's standing on a free transfer would represent an extraordinary piece of business. The club began the 2026-27 Serie A season in the lower half of the table and are in need of experienced leadership at the back.

Alaba's ability to operate as a centre-back, left-back, or central midfielder offers coach flexibility that few available free agents can match. If the deal clears its remaining hurdles, Okoye — Nigeria's first-choice shot-stopper — will have one of the most decorated defenders in recent European history protecting him in the Udinese backline.