Real Madrid Confirm David Alaba and Dani Carvajal Exits as José Mourinho Era Approaches

Real Madrid have confirmed that two of their most prominent defensive figures, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, will leave the club when their contracts expire this summer, marking a significant reshaping of the squad as the Spanish giants prepare for a new managerial chapter.

Alaba, 33, joined Real Madrid from Bayern Munich in 2021 and departs having made 131 appearances for the club, collecting 11 trophies along the way — among them two La Liga titles and the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League. The Austrian international’s contract will not be renewed, bringing his five-year stint at the Bernabéu to a close.

Carvajal, a product of Real Madrid’s own academy, has served the club for over a decade and held the captain’s armband in recent seasons. Like Alaba, he will exit on a free transfer, drawing the curtain on a distinguished career at the club that helped shape him as a player.

Both departures are expected to be marked with an emotional send-off. The club has confirmed that a special farewell ceremony will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu ahead of the final home fixture of the season against Athletic Club this weekend, giving supporters the opportunity to pay tribute to the outgoing pair.

The twin exits are understood to be part of a broader squad overhaul at the club, driven in part by a desire to reduce the wage bill following substantial investment in younger talent. Real Madrid moved to bring in Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen last year, signalling a clear intent to transition towards a younger defensive core.

The timing of the announcements aligns directly with the impending arrival of José Mourinho, who is set to take charge as head coach in June. According to reports, Mourinho has already identified transfer targets to accelerate the squad’s transformation, with the Portuguese manager’s return to club management expected to usher in a decisive new era at one of European football’s most decorated institutions.

Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning one La Liga title during that tenure. His return to the Bernabéu will be his second spell in charge of the club and comes at a moment of considerable structural change both on and off the pitch.

The departures of Alaba and Carvajal leave Real Madrid with decisions to make regarding defensive depth heading into the 2026-27 season. With the club’s squad in transition and a new managerial regime set to take hold, the summer transfer window is likely to bring further activity at the Bernabéu.