Romano drops 'wide of the mark' claim on HUGE Real Madrid transfer

Cameron Smith

5 Sep 2023 09:33 CDT
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano's latest transfer update — © ProShots

David Alaba’s rumoured move to Al-Ittihad has been rubbished by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano following links with a Saudi switch for the Real Madrid star.

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Alaba, 31, joined Los Blancos on a free transfer from Bayern Munich in 2021 and helped Carlo Ancelotti lift the Champions League trophy during his first season at the club.

However, he has been the latest star of the European game touted for a move to the lucrative Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ittihad, who signed his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema earlier in 2023, have been credited with interest in Alaba as they look to further bolster their squad.

While the transfer window in Spain is now shut, clubs in Saudi Arabia are still able to conduct business before their summer window comes to an end on Thursday.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have already signed Fabinho, Jota, N’Golo Kante and Benzema this summer, and have sounded out Alaba as another possible addition.

© ProShots - David Alaba joined Real Madrid in 2021

But, Romano has reported that a move will not happen, despite recent rumours. He posted on Twitter: “Told rumours about David Alaba and Saudi's Al Ittihad are 100% wide of [the] mark. No chance for Alaba to leave Real Madrid or for Real Madrid to let David leave, not even for [a] crazy bid.

“Alaba loves Real Madrid, loves the city and the club,” he continued. “No chance to leave at all.”

The Austria international has played 90 minutes in each of Real Madrid’s four La Liga games of the new season and provided an assist in their 2-0 victory against Athletic Club during the opening weekend.

Real Madrid’s summer transfer business

Real Madrid’s summer spending dwarfed the rest of Spain, mostly due to their €103 million purchase of Jude Bellingham. The England star has, however, already begun to pay that fee back, with five goals and one assist in his opening four matches for Los Blancos.

Arda Guler, Fran Garcia and Kepa Arrizabalaga (loan) also arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, while Marco Asensio and Benzema were the most notable departures.