JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has joined Serie A side Udinese as a free agent.
Alaba is now team-mates with Nigerian international and Udinese first choice Maduka Okoye.
The club confirmed the signing on Thursday, September 24, after the 34-year-old Austrian defender signed a contract until the end of the 2026-27 season after his five-year contract with Madrid expired in June.
“I’ve had a lot of experiences and I’ve won a lot throughout my career, but one thing hasn’t changed: I want to win again. I want to compete again. And I want to achieve something special once again,” Alaba said after completing his move.
Alaba captained Austria at this year’s World Cup but has spent much of the last few years on the sidelines after a torn ACL in December 2023 kept him out for more than 13 months. He only made 14 appearances in 2024-25 and 16 in 2025-26.
Also read: David Alaba rejects Chelsea move
Udinese have lost their last three games and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their first five league games, conceding 11 goals. They currently have four points from five games.
He becomes one of the most decorated players to ever wear the Bianconeri shirt: 10 Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues with Bayern, in addition to two La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with Madrid.
Speaking about Alaba’s signing, Udinese general manager Franco Collavino said: “Signing David Alaba is a great source of pride for the entire club. Our new player is a well-established star, a team leader and a role model in his professionalism. His signing shows that Udinese is committed to growing, competing at the highest level and building an increasingly ambitious team.”
