Antonio Rudiger might be on his way out of Real Madrid with the Spanish giant reportedly looking at not renewing the Germany international’s contract.
Rudiger has failed to convince new head coach Xabi Alonso, despite being a key figure in defence for the previous three years. Madrid want to free up space in their wage bill, with Rudiger being viewed as an expensive backup by the coach.
Madrid spent heavily on their backline last summer, bringing in three defenders. The Spanish heavyweights signed Trent Alexander-Arnold for free from Liverpool, before splurging a combined fee of €110 million (£95m/$129m) on centre-back Dean Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carreras.
Raul Asencio, after an impressive debut season in 2024-25, earned a promotion from Castilla.
Antonio Rudiger warms up during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Madrid and CD Leganes. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Huijsen has already nailed his spot in the Madrid starting XI following some solid displays. Rudiger and Asencio featured alongside the former Bournemouth defender in the Club World Cup, with both defenders showing frequent lapses in concentration.
However, Alonso since the start of the 2025-26 season has preferred Huijsen’s partnership with Eder Militao, a partnership that might continue.
According to a report from Bild, Alonso is unconvinced by Rudiger’s abilities, with the head coach believing that the German international has become extremely injury-prone and inconsistent.
Indeed, a hamstring injury in September and subsequent operation means the ex-Chelsea man will remain on the sidelines until at least the start of December. Once he recovers, it is unlikely that he will displace either Huijsen or Militao in the heart of the defence, unless Alonso opts for a three-man defence.
Rudiger’s contract with Madrid expires next summer. Aware that he will turn 33 in March, Madrid are keen on freeing up space on their wage bill by offloading Rudiger, who currently earns an annual gross salary of €14m (£12m/$16.5m).
As for his replacement, the record La Liga and Champions League holders have been heavily linked with a move for Ibrahima Konate, who will become a free agent next summer.
