"Gemeinsam mit Solet wird er ein Duo bilden, über das nicht viele Mannschaften in der Serie A verfügen."
Transfer market figures have changed since the transfers of Neymar and Mbappe to PSG. "This bubble has burst, and only in the Premier League are salaries still incredibly high. That's why there are many players without a contract who initially hope for and seek a big deal. However, the more time passes, the more they lower their expectations to continue their careers and keep playing," explains Vescini.
Accordingly, Alaba presented himself as an ideal opportunity for Udinese Calcio. The Austrian is "the best possible signing Udinese could afford at this time."
The right profile
The Viennese perfectly fits the profile that coach Kosta Runjaic was looking for. The German-Austrian wanted an experienced player for the defense "who also possesses the ability to initiate playmaking."
Alaba fulfills exactly that. With 38 club titles, no player in Serie A has won more; Milan's Luka Modric (34) comes closest.
"He brings a winning mentality to Udinese – precisely the mentality that Inler and Runjaic want to establish at the club," says the Italian sports journalist.
The Swiss Gökhan Inler has been the club's Technical Director since 2024 and started his job together with Runjaic.
Alaba is expected to play a significant role at his new club. The 34-year-old is planned as a "key player." Together with former Salzburg player Oumar Solet, he forms a central defensive duo "that not many teams in Serie A possess."
Playing style to Rangnick's liking
Udine's playing style should also appeal to ÖFB national team coach Ralf Rangnick. Runjaic employs a "German school" style of play.
"Against the ball, there's counter-pressing and very intense zone pressing in the opponent's half. With the ball, the goal is to play vertically as quickly as possible. Udinese is very strong in transition phases – both with and against the ball. Alaba fits perfectly into this role because he can control the team's tempo, especially in possession," Vescini describes.
Back to old strength
However, fans have doubts about the deal due to the Austrian's injury susceptibility. In December 2023, Alaba tore his cruciate ligament, was out for over a year, and has struggled with injuries repeatedly since then.
"Udine wird als 'glückliche Insel' bezeichnet, weil dort in der Vergangenheit bereits viele Spieler zu alter Stärke zurückgefunden haben."
In the last three seasons leading up to the end of the 2026 World Cup, Alaba was unavailable for 576 days, according to "transfermarkt" data. This accounts for more than half (52.6 percent) of the days in that period.
However, the coaching staff is not concerned. "Udine is called a 'happy island' because many players have returned to their old strength there in the past," Vescini explains.
He names Stefano Fiore, Rodrigo de Paul, Florian Thauvin, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Keinan Davis as examples. The latter two are still under contract with the club.
Alaba as a gamble for Udinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio has been continuously in Serie A since 1995. However, the golden times of its recent history, where the club finished fourth, third, and fifth between 2010/11 and 2012/13, are over. After that, they only achieved double-digit league finishes. Last season, they finished 13th.
"Es ist eine Art Wette. Wenn sie aufgeht, könnte Udinese damit sogar die Kräfteverhältnisse in der Serie A verändern."
After four points from five games, the club is currently in the same position as at the end of last season. The Alaba deal, it is hoped in Udine, could change the narrative.
"It's a kind of gamble. If it pays off, Udinese could even shift the balance of power in Serie A," says Vescini. The club last played in a European competition over twelve years ago, when they were eliminated in the UEFA Europa League play-off against Czech club Slovan Liberec in August 2013.
The transfer also brings expectations. Can David Alaba bring the club closer to Europe?
