Saliba’s revelation adds an intriguing twist to Real Madrid’s defensive planning. The club has been exploring options to reinforce their backline, especially with uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of some of their defenders. However, Saliba’s demand to keep David Alaba could put Madrid in a difficult position, as they may have had other plans for their defense moving forward.
Alaba, despite his experience and leadership, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, raising questions about his durability at the highest level. While he remains an important figure at the club, Real Madrid’s management may have been considering a defensive shake-up, potentially bringing in younger options. Now, with Saliba—one of the most sought-after young defenders—expressing a desire to play alongside him, the club may need to rethink its strategy.
From Madrid’s perspective, keeping Alaba might not be a major issue if they still see him as a key player. However, if they were planning to offload him due to age or injury concerns, Saliba’s condition could complicate negotiations. On the other hand, if Madrid truly wants to secure Saliba’s signature, they might view retaining Alaba as a small price to pay for acquiring a world-class young defender.
As the summer transfer window approaches, this situation will be one to watch closely. If Real Madrid is serious about signing Saliba, they may need to reassure him that Alaba will remain an integral part of the squad. Otherwise, the French defender could reconsider his options and remain at Arsenal or explore offers from other top European clubs.
