Real Madrid veteran likely to leave upon contract expiry at the end of the season

Antonio Rudiger was one of many Real Madrid players who was facing an uncertain future last season, but his contract was ultimately renewed earlier in the summer.

However, the one-year extension means his current deal at Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of the season, thus raising questions about his future once again.

Rudiger has been a central figure to Real Madrid’s defensive line this season, thanks to Eder Militao’s long injury layoff. But whether or not he will continue next season remains the big question.

Rudiger is closer to leaving

According to Jorge Picon (h/t Madrid Zone), Rudiger is closer to leaving Real Madrid than renewing his contract for one more year.

Rudiger is in the final stage of his career. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The German has been plying his trade at Real Madrid for over four years now, featuring in 185 competitive matches in the process.

But his services may no longer be required as Real Madrid look to move on and focus on younger alternatives. That means the veteran could already be playing his final season at the club.

Rudiger’s potential departure next summer will continue the tradition of Real Madrid losing veterans at the end of every season, with the club having lost the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Nacho Fernandez, Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez in recent times.

Do Real Madrid have a plan to replace Rudiger?

It is clear that Rudiger’s potential exit could leave a massive void in Real Madrid’s defensive unit, so finding an immediate replacement could be very crucial.

Rudiger is playing his final season at Real Madrid. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Fortunately, it appears the club are serious about shoring up their ranks in defence next season, with the club being linked with a move for various centre-backs across Europe.

The likes of Nico Schlotterbeck and Alessandro Bastoni were linked with a move to Bernabeu this past summer and it won’t be surprising to see them back on the radar in 2027.

Real Madrid, in fact, may sign multiple centre-backs next summer to add more firepower to their defence, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah also on the club’s radar.

For the time being, though, Rudiger remains an important part of the Real Madrid defence and will, in fact, be the only viable centre-back available to Jose Mourinho heading into the game against Villarreal.