Real Madrid News
Real Madrid do not see defensive duo as part of future project
In a report recently published by AS, it has been revealed that Real Madrid are preparing to move on from both David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger as part of their long-term defensive strategy.
The outlet mentions that while the German still holds a slim chance of a contract renewal, the club has made no effort to begin talks with either player, signalling that both are edging towards the end of their journeys at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Alaba, 33, and Rudiger, 32, were brought in on free transfers under Madrid’s cost-effective signing policy, but the club believes the time has come to reshape the backline with younger options.
As per the club’s policy, players in their thirties are generally offered only one-year extensions, if any.
However, the board has decided to wait until the end of the upcoming season before making any formal decisions — and even then, the outlook remains grim.
Alaba’s wages a big problem
Alaba’s case appears the most concerning. The Austrian has struggled with recurring injuries, spending over a year recovering from knee issues.
Despite being fit, no clubs have made a formal approach for him this summer. His entourage insists he will honour his current contract, but the club would have preferred to offload him ahead of the new season.
A significant barrier to his departure is his salary, which is among the highest at Madrid. This is a situation the club is eager to resolve.
What about Rudiger?
Rudiger’s situation is slightly more favourable. Despite his age and physical struggles, his willingness to play through pain during Madrid’s defensive injury crisis last season earned him immense respect.
He had to take daily anti-inflammatories to remain available and only underwent surgery after the Copa del Rey final. Now recovered, the club will monitor his condition closely throughout the season.
Still, the likelihood of a renewal remains low, as Madrid are already planning for the future.
As such, Dean Huijsen (20) has been signed as a long-term option, while 22-year-old Raul Asencio has penned a professional deal. With Eder Militao returning to full fitness, the backline already appears crowded.
Moreover, Madrid remain hopeful that Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate will keep his promise not to renew his contract, making him a free agent next summer. If this transfer materialise, Rudiger will not be given an extension.
As the summer transfer window enters its critical final phase, Real Madrid’s La Fabrica is once again the subject of intense scrutiny from clubs across the Spanish football pyramid.
The latest prospect to draw significant attention is 22-year-old right-back David Jimenez, who has emerged as a concrete target for both UD Almeria and Real Oviedo.
Indeed, according to journalist Angel Garcia, both Almeria and Oviedo have formally enquired about the defender’s situation, viewing him as an ideal reinforcement for their respective backlines.
While Cadiz also made an initial approach to gauge the player’s availability, the journalist suggests that Jimenez is not currently considered a priority option for the Andalusian club, who are focusing their efforts on other alternatives.
A proven academy talent
Jimenez, a tenacious and attack-minded full-back, has long been regarded as one of the most consistent performers at Real Madrid Castilla.
His senior breakthrough finally arrived during the 2025/26 campaign, as he made his official first-team debut on 17 December 2025 in a Copa del Rey fixture against CF Talavera de la Reina.
Handed a start by then-manager Xabi Alonso, Jimenez played the full 90 minutes in a hard-fought 3-2 victory, impressing with his defensive work rate and maturity.
He followed this milestone with his La Liga bow just days later, appearing as a substitute against Sevilla in late December. In total, Jiménez has racked up four senior appearances for Los Blancos – two in the league and two in the cup.
Notably, he was handed his first league start on 8 February 2026 against Valencia by Alvaro Arbeloa, where he delivered a disciplined 76-minute performance in a 2-0 win, helping his side keep a clean sheet at the Mestalla.
The search for regular football
Despite his successful integration into the first-team dynamic, the pathway to a regular starting spot remains obstructed by established heavyweights in the Real Madrid squad.
After all, Trent Alexander-Arnold was already ahead of him in the pecking order and the Merengues roped in Denzel Dumfries this summer.
With his contract running until 2027 and over 70 appearances for Castilla under his belt, the consensus is that Jimenez has outgrown youth football and requires consistent minutes in a competitive senior environment.
As such, he has been tipped to leave the club, along with fellow Castilla teammate Manuel Angel before the window closes.
Real Madrid are expected to weigh their options carefully, likely preferring a loan deal or a sale with a buy-back clause to retain control over the youngster’s promising future.
