Real Madrid has experienced a dip in performance this season, currently ranking second in La Liga and 20th in the UEFA Champions League. Despite this, the team has shown signs of recovery with recent results of four wins and one draw. Fans are eagerly anticipating the club's actions during the winter transfer window to bolster the squad's strength. It now appears that Real Madrid's "first signing" has been revealed. Congratulations to Real Madrid! The "first winter signing" has been announced, with a top-class defender coming to the rescue, alleviating Coach Ancelotti's urgent need.
On December 29th, Spanish media outlet Marca reported that David Alaba, who has been out for an extended period due to injury, is expected to rejoin team training on the 30th of this month. Alaba's return date will be determined by his own recovery progress. It is understood that Alaba has fully recovered from his injury.
Alaba suffered a knee anterior cruciate ligament injury last December and has been absent from the team for over a year without playing for Real Madrid. Even without Alaba, Real Madrid has demonstrated its formidable strength, winning five titles this year, excluding the Copa del Rey. Now, as Alaba gradually recovers from his injury and is close to returning, his comeback is indeed akin to a significant new signing for Real Madrid.
The new year is approaching, and Real Madrid has at least seven matches scheduled for January 2025. If they reach the final of the Spanish Super Cup, they will play eight matches. Their second match in January is against Segunda División B team Minera Sporting. For Alaba, who has been away from competitive action for a long time, the Copa del Rey presents an opportunity for his return. He can start or come off the bench to find his competitive rhythm. After a long absence due to a knee injury, Alaba will need to take it step by step upon his return, taking some time to regain his match fitness and aiming to showcase his excellent abilities again in the latter part of the season.
Alaba left Bayern Munich in the summer of 2021 to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, replacing the departing Sergio Ramos as the new number 4. Ramos is a legendary central defender for Real Madrid, so the pressure on Alaba was evident. However, Alaba possesses solid skills, quickly integrating into the team and seamlessly taking over from Ramos to become a key defensive player. He helped the team win the UEFA Champions League as a mainstay, unfortunately hindered by injuries last season.
Real Madrid's central defense is currently relatively weak, with Militao out for the season, Coach Ancelotti not trusting Vallejo, Asensio still maturing, Rudiger playing every game, and Tchouaméni filling in at center-back. The team needs reinforcements at center-back, but it seems that President Florentino Pérez does not have such plans. Fortunately, the 32-year-old Alaba is set to resume training and is close to returning, which is great news for Coach Ancelotti.