Rangnick omits Alaba from Austria squad as club future remains unclear

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick has not called up David Alaba for the upcoming internationals as the captain, without a club, faces speculation linking him to HSV, Club América or MLS.

David Alaba has been omitted from Austria's squad for the upcoming international matches by head coach Ralf Rangnick. The 34-year-old national team captain remains without a club after his contract with Real Madrid expired in June, fuelling intense speculation about his future.

Rangnick's decision comes as Alaba, despite maintaining individual fitness, has yet to secure a new team. Over the last two seasons, the four-time Champions League winner managed only 1,174 minutes for Real Madrid, hampered by a series of serious injuries including a cruciate ligament tear and meniscus damage. These physical issues are central to the current debate about his next move.

Hamann questions capability

TV pundit Dietmar Hamann pointed to the fundamental uncertainty. "The question is whether he still can," said the former Germany international. Hamann suggested the likelihood of retirement increases with each additional day the defender spends without a club.

Rumours about a potential destination have been rampant. Speculation has linked Alaba with a move to MLS side Inter Miami, Mexican top club Club América, and even German second-division side Hamburger SV. An emotional return to his youth club Austria Wien has also been widely discussed in the public sphere.

Schinkels' provocative comment

Former Austria Wien coach Frenkie Schinkels triggered a heated debate with a drastic statement. "Don't be angry: but if no one at Austria Wien has asked about Alaba, the entire board should be locked up," Schinkels said. The remark prompted immediate pushback.

Any serious move for Alaba would require negotiation with his agent, Pini Zahavi, whom former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeneß once called a "money-grabbing piranha". So far, concrete talks with clubs like Lazio, Manchester United, or Inter Milan have not progressed beyond the speculation stage.

On the pitch, the national team has a mixed record. Austria sits second in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three games. Their recent form shows two wins, one draw, and two defeats from the last five matches. The next challenge is a home fixture against Israel on September 24th, for which Rangnick must rely on available players. Alongside Alaba, Dejan Ljubičić, Florian Grillitsch, Konrad Laimer, and Michael Svoboda are also sidelined through injury. The team's full schedule is available at fixtures.