According to BILD, as reported by SPORT, it has come to light that Real Madrid are seriously considering parting ways with Antonio Rudiger once his contract expires in 2026. The German defender, who ...
According to BILD, as reported by SPORT, it has come to light that Real Madrid are seriously considering parting ways with Antonio Rudiger once his contract expires in 2026.
The German defender, who arrived with high expectations and quickly became a pillar of Los Blancos’ backline, now finds his future uncertain due to persistent fitness problems and the emergence of younger options in the squad.
Rudiger has been a commanding figure at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence since his arrival.
However, his ongoing injury concerns have significantly affected his consistency and availability.
The situation worsened after the arrival of Dean Huijsen, who, along with Eder Militao, has now become Xabi Alonso’s preferred defensive pairing.
Status no longer the same
Rudiger’s standing in the team has dropped considerably, and despite featuring heavily at the Club World Cup, his performances did not meet expectations.
In particular, Rudiger was singled out as one of the key culprits in the semi-final defeat against PSG, a game that left the coach unimpressed.
Antonio Rudiger could leave Real Madrid for free. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
Following the match, the 32-year-old cited lingering meniscus issues as the reason for his subpar performance.
Yet, before he could fully recover, Rudiger suffered another setback in September. This problem is expected to keep him sidelined for around three months, further complicating his situation.
Real Madrid eyeing defensive reinforcements
Given his injury record and advancing age, Real Madrid are unlikely to extend Rudiger’s stay beyond 2026.
The club is already exploring the market for potential replacements, focusing on defenders who could arrive on a free transfer.
According to the report, Ibrahima Konate is the top target, as his contract expires next summer. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is also being closely monitored as a secondary option.
As things stand, Rudiger’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu appears to be nearing its conclusion.
While his leadership and experience have been invaluable, Real Madrid’s long-term vision seems set on building a younger, more resilient defensive unit.
Category: General Sports
