Austrian international David Alaba has arrived in Italy to complete his move to Serie A side Udinese, where he will join Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the former Real Madrid defender had completed his medical and was set to finalise the formalities of his move to the Italian club.
“David Alaba completes medical at Udinese after several options in Italy,” Romano wrote on X, adding that Udinese had also confirmed the development.
The move follows an earlier report from Romano that Alaba had reached a verbal agreement with Udinese, describing the experienced defender as a dream signing for the club.
Alaba became a free agent after his contract with Real Madrid expired at the end of last season. He joined the Spanish giants in 2021 after an illustrious spell with Bayern Munich, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most versatile defenders.
The 33-year-old can operate at centre-back and left-back, while also possessing the ability to play in midfield. During his career, he has collected numerous domestic and international honours, although injuries restricted his involvement during his final period in Madrid.
His arrival at Udinese is expected to add considerable experience to the club’s defence as they prepare for the demands of the Serie A season.
Alaba also has Nigerian heritage through his father, George Alaba, while his mother, Gina, is Austrian. Born in Vienna, he chose to represent Austria internationally and has established himself as one of the country’s most decorated footballers.
At Udinese, Alaba will share the dressing room with Okoye, who joined the Serie A club in 2023 on a four-year contract.
The reunion gives Nigerian football fans another connection to the Austrian defender, whose Nigerian roots have long attracted interest from the country.
For Udinese, Alaba’s arrival provides an experienced figure capable of strengthening their defensive options and offering leadership to a squad competing at Italy’s highest level.
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