Rudiger’s Contract Negotiations with Real Madrid on Hold Amid Injury Concerns

Marca reported in November that Real Madrid and Antonio Rudiger had initiated preliminary discussions regarding a contract renewal. However, these negotiations have now been put on hold.

Rudiger, 32, currently has a contract with Santiago Bernabeu that expires at the end of the season. Initial conversations between the club and his representatives commenced several months ago, during which financial terms were discussed and both parties expressed a mutual desire to reach an agreement.

The negotiations were mutually postponed following a muscle injury the German international sustained in late September. The decision to halt talks was reached by both the player and the club, who agreed that finalizing contract figures was inappropriate while Rudiger focused on his recovery.

Having spent five years at Chelsea and won multiple accolades, including a Champions League title, Rudiger joined Real Madrid in 2022. However, he may now contemplate a return to Chelsea, as the club has reportedly shown interest in re-signing the defender next summer, according to Diario AS.

Additionally, reigning Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are eager to secure the experienced centre-back, and Galatasaray is also monitoring Rudiger’s situation at Madrid.

Beyond European clubs, Rudiger is attracting attention from Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal planning to make moves for the defender next year.

In October, BILD reported that Madrid’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, has expressed concerns about Rudiger’s capabilities. Alonso believes the German international has become increasingly injury-prone and inconsistent in recent years. Furthermore, new summer signing Dean Huijsen has established himself in the starting lineup, forming a solid partnership with Eder Militao, who has recently suffered his own muscular injury.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rudiger’s future, AS reports that Real Madrid is no longer interested in pursuing two defensive options: Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano. Both defenders are entering the final six months of their respective contracts, and while they may still seek opportunities next summer, a move to the Bernabeu seems unlikely.

Real Madrid will resume their campaign following a brief winter break on January 4, facing Real Betis at home in La Liga.