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Real Madrid will give Antonio Rudiger every chance to prove he deserves a new contract at the Bernabeu, with the 33-year-old German defender’s current deal expiring at the end of the season and strong interest from Saudi Arabian clubs emerging as a potential alternative.
Antonio Rudiger Set for Real Madrid Contract Audition Despite Saudi Interest
The former Chelsea defender has returned to excellent form alongside Eder Militao following a two-month injury absence, establishing himself as undroppable under manager Xabi Alonso. Rudiger had been one of Real Madrid’s most prominent players prior to this season and is slowly working his way back to that level, creating a difficult selection dilemma for Alonso when Dean Huijsen returns to the squad in coming matches.
According to Diario AS, Real Madrid will assess whether the Germany international can stay fit enough to remain a core member of Alonso’s squad for another 12 months. Should Rudiger continue at his current level and remain injury-free, he would go a long way toward earning a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the club monitoring his performances throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Rudiger will prioritise staying at Real Madrid despite attracting strong interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, where he is viewed as a reference signing alongside Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski. The defender and teammate David Alaba are likely to be offered bumper contracts from Middle Eastern clubs in the coming months, though there would be little chance of Rudiger moving to Saudi Arabia if Los Blancos decide to offer a renewal.
Real Madrid’s final decision on Rudiger’s future is unlikely to be made until the final few weeks of the 2025-26 season, despite the club’s intention to sign a new centre-back next summer. The Saudi Arabian clubs will be made to wait until Real Madrid rule on a new contract, with Rudiger’s fitness record and continued performances serving as the primary factors in determining whether he receives an extension.
