Real Madrid takes everyone by surprise and decides to release Rüdiger
Real Madrid has decided not to renew Antonio Rüdiger’s contract, setting the stage for the veteran defender’s exit next summer. According to reports from BILD and Diário AS, the German international will leave the club in June 2026, marking the end of his stint at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Veteran Defender Nearing Exit Amid Squad Reshuffle
With new head coach Xabi Alonso overseeing a generational overhaul, the Spanish giants are phasing out experienced players. After already parting ways with Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez, Real Madrid is now preparing to say goodbye to Rüdiger and Daniel Carvajal.
The club reportedly sees no long-term role for the 31-year-old defender due to age and fitness concerns, including chronic knee issues that have affected his consistency.
Lucrative Offers from the Middle East
Rüdiger isn’t short of suitors. As reported by Defensa Central, the center-back has received two massive contract offers from clubs in the Middle East one from Saudi Arabia and another from Qatar. While the exact teams remain unnamed, both proposals include an annual salary of €30 million (R$190.9 million).
If accepted, the deal would make Rüdiger the highest-paid defender in the world, earning approximately R$15.9 million per month, far surpassing his current wages in La Liga.
Recent Performance and Decline
Once a key pillar in Carlo Ancelotti’s backline, Rüdiger has seen a dip in form, particularly noted during the Club World Cup, where his underwhelming performances including the semifinal clash against PSG drew criticism.
Despite once leading Madrid’s defensive unit, the combination of physical decline and increased competition from younger players like Éder Militão and Antonio Silva has accelerated the club’s decision to move on.
