In 2026, Real Madrid is preparing a huge defensive project. This will be the big priority for Florentino Pérez and his teams, who are scanning the market in search of at least one recruit. The ideal would be to get your hands on an experienced central defender who is at the end of his contract at the end of the season, who is neither too young nor too old. Several footballers stick to what the residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu are looking for. This was the case for William Saliba, who recently extended his contract at Arsenal until 2030 and is now out of reach.
Rüdiger will not be retained
But the Merengues are still following the trails leading to Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) and Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace). In the event of failure, Real Madrid could also promote a youngster from the club. The name of Joan Martínez is the one that comes up the most in the Iberian press. But he doesn't tick all the boxes, particularly when it comes to experience at the highest level. What is certain is that the Madrilenians want to offer themselves a specialist in the position. Because it will be necessary to compensate for one or even two departures.
In addition to David Alaba, at the end of his contract and whose future is clearly threatened due to his numerous injuries, the Merengues have made their choice concerning Antonio Rüdiger. Arriving in the Spanish capital in 2022 after shining in the Chelsea jersey, the Berlin native quickly made a place for himself in the Madrid rearguard. Solid, experienced and aggressive, he brought his qualities to Real Madrid while being invaluable in winning several titles. However, the German's attitude was sometimes problematic on the field. But in recent months, the big concern has come from his state of health.
Real Madrid has decided
In fact, he has been injured 5 times since his arrival. His last glitch dates back to September 12. He suffers from a muscular injury to the rectus femoris muscle of his left leg which will keep him away from the field for at least three months. He will miss around twenty meetings. All this, in addition to his age (he will be 33 in March, editor's note) and his contractual situation (he is at the end of his contract in June 2026), raises questions within the Madrid staff. This Tuesday, Sports Bild explains that the leaders of Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso have been engaged in a process of reflection for several weeks on the subject.
And they decided regarding Rüdiger. Indeed, the German media explains that the defender will leave the club at the end of his lease. Among the reasons given by Sports Bildit is indicated that the Madrid coach believes that he is too often injured and not regular enough. He also has a huge salary, too big to be a simple replacement behind Dean Huijsen and Eder Militão. Rüdiger, who does not wish to rush his return from injury prematurely, is aware of the situation and intends to fight on the pitch to obtain a new contract, whether at Real Madrid or elsewhere. In recent months, his name has been mentioned by Saudi Arabia. To be continued…
