Revealed: Xabi Alonso's special plan for David Alaba as new role could see injury-plagued defender revive Real Madrid career amid transfer reports

Recent reports suggested that Madrid defender Alaba could be heading to Saudi Arabia, prompting a response from his agent, Pini Zahavi. However, fresh updates from Spain indicate otherwise. According to Marca, Madrid manager Alonso has a specific sporting plan in mind for Alaba.

Although it is said that Los Blancos have serious concerns about Alaba's performance and fitness following his numerous injuries, Alonso is said to have figured out how best to use the Austrian after he made it clear that he intends to stay and fulfill his contract, which expires next year. Alaba would probably only be fifth-choice in central defence, but could play a more important role in another position, with Alonso considering using the 33-year-old as a midfielder.

Since arriving from Bayern Munich four years ago, Alaba has never played in midfield for Madrid, operating only as a left-back and centre-back. However, he played in midfield several times in Germany and was also a regular there for the Austrian national team. Real Madrid are hoping to sign a new midfielder, but that will only happen if a player leaves the squad in the coming weeks. With Alaba out of the picture, the most likely candidates for a move appear to be Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos. If the latter moves to Real Betis, as has been rumoured recently, the chances of Alaba being used in midfield could increase. It must be noted that the former Bayern full-back was used as a central midfielder after coming on as a substitute against WSG Tirol in a friendly on Tuesday.

It is unlikely that Alaba leaves the club this summer, especially after Alonso has a new role in mind for the player. According to AS, Alonso wants Alaba to cover for Aurelien Tchouameni in the defensive midfield position.

Additional reporting by Jochen Tittmar.