JuanTheDevil
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Rüdiger, now 32, has been with Real Madrid since 2022. He’s made 156 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. He missed the end of last season due to a combination of injury and suspension but made a quicker-than-expected return at the 2025 Club World Cup.
His current contract runs until the summer of 2026. According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, clubs in the Saudi Pro League are keen on bringing him in, with Al-Nassr particularly interested. Some senior figures at Real Madrid reportedly believe this could be the right moment to cash in, considering Rüdiger’s age and recent fitness concerns.
If the move goes through, Rüdiger could become one of the highest-paid players in world football. For Real Madrid, it could also mean a hefty transfer fee for a player now in his thirties.
Rüdiger played five matches during the Club World Cup, where Real Madrid advanced to the semifinals before being knocked out by PSG in a tough 4-0 defeat. That game exposed some glaring issues in Madrid’s defence.
There’s also uncertainty surrounding the future of David Alaba. The 33-year-old has struggled with ongoing injuries and is also being linked with a move away. Eder Militão remains a key figure in the backline, and this summer the club added Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. However, Raúl Asencio might be sold before the transfer window closes.
It’s unlikely that Alaba, Rüdiger and Asencio will all leave this summer, especially since new head coach Xabi Alonso is expected to use a three-man defence at times during the upcoming season.
Real Madrid are already exploring options for reinforcements at the back. Players like Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté, and Arsenal’s William Saliba are reportedly on the club’s radar.
With the transfer window still open and defensive improvements clearly needed, fans can expect more changes in the coming weeks.
