However, nothing is decided yet. The veteran German defender has missed much of the last six months due to injury and is currently recovering from knee surgery. However, Marca indicates that Rüdiger and Real Madrid have decided to suspend negotiations this summer, in order to observe the progress of the season. These discussions could nevertheless resume.
Rüdiger’s contract negotiations could begin in 2026.
According to Marca, Real Madrid and Rüdiger will reassess his future in early 2026, once he has recovered from his injury and is back to full fitness. Rüdiger is keen to stay at Real Madrid and while the Whites may be concerned about his injury history, his role in the dressing room is highly regarded. Rüdiger plays a mentoring role to many young players, a valuable quality for Real Madrid.
Rüdiger would favor a return to Real Madrid, but according to the same source, Chelsea “never really closed the door” to a return to Stamford Bridge. Left free of any contract in 2022, he had nevertheless maintained good relations with the club.
If none of these options materialize for Rüdiger, Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in recent months.
Leadership within the locker room?
A slight change of direction on the part of Real Madrid could be understandable, given the relative youth of the squad. Along with Alaba, Thibaut Courtois, Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos and Dani Carvajal are among the few experienced players in the locker room. Among them, only Courtois and Carvajal have a good chance of still being there next season.
