Real Madrid News
Premier League and Saudi Arabia emerge as possible options for Real Madrid defender
Antonio Rudiger is currently fully focused on his recovery from injury so that he can return to playing for Real Madrid at the earliest possible.
The 32-year-old centre-back has been out since September, but is closing in on a comeback, having resumed on-pitch training over the past week.
Meanwhile, question marks continue to linger over his future at the Santiago Bernabeu, given his contract expires at the end of the season.
Premier League, Saudi Arabia possible destinations
As has been reported, Real Madrid and Rudiger have held talks over a new deal, but things have taken a step back since his injury.
Now, according to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, both parties remain open to an extension beyond 2026.
At the same time, though, in case there is no renewal, Saudi Arabia have positioned themselves as suitors for the veteran defender, showing a strong interest in his services.
Meanwhile, a return to the Premier League would also be an option for Rudiger if Real Madrid decide not to extend his contract.
For now, though, both the player and the club remain open to the idea of continuing his partnership.
But at this moment, the priority is Rudiger’s return to full fitness and on-field action, with any negotiations over a renewal likely to take place only after that.
Since arriving from Chelsea as a free agent in 2022, the German international has become a popular figure at Real Madrid, endearing himself to his teammates and fans alike.
But his future will likely depend on how he returns from his injury setback and the way he performs in the remainder of the campaign.
Real Madrid opted to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract this past summer to keep him at the club for one more season.
The 33-year-old veteran defender, though, has not been performing at his best, with physical problems taking their toll and age starting to catch up with him.
As such, the expectation is that Los Blancos will not extend his contract again when his current one expires on 30 June 2027.
Tottenham eye Antonio Rudiger
And, according to reports relayed by AS, Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a free-transfer swoop to sign Rudiger in the summer of next year.
The north London club are understood to be keen on reinforcing their backline next year and see the German defender as an option, given his experience in the Premier League and the fact that he would be available for free in the summer.
So far this season, Rudiger has played only five games for Real Madrid, amounting to a total of 396 minutes.
The 33-year-old has even chipped in with two goals, including the all-important winner in the 4-3 comeback victory over AS Roma on Wednesday night.
Time to move on?
Despite Rudiger being a hugely respected figure in the Real Madrid locker room, he is currently the third-choice centre-back for Jose Mourinho.
After all, summer signing Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have been preferred by the manager so far in the new season.
Moreover, with Eder Militao set to return imminently after a lengthy injury layoff, Rudiger’s game-time could be impacted further.
Given the situation and factoring in Real Madrid’s plans to sign another centre-back next summer, it is pretty much evident that Rudiger does not feature in the club’s plans for beyond this season.
As such, a separation of ways seems pretty likely when his contract expires, and Tottenham are now positioning themselves as early suitors to sign Rudiger as a free agent in 2027.
