Real Madrid are preparing for a number of major free agent departures this summer, with players like David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Dani Carvajal all expected to depart the club, without Real Madrid standing in their way, except for one, as it seems the club has made a huge u-turn on allowing him to leave, with that player being Antonio Rudiger.
Defensa Central reports that Real are still expected to allow David Alaba to leave this summer when his contract expires; however, the club are now considering offering Antonio Rudiger a new contract, as they feel his experience is needed in the dressing room with all the young players in the squad and the lack of veterans in the team.
Real Madrid want Rudiger to stay
This U-turn from Real has surprised many and, in some cases, may anger other clubs that had been looking to bring in the German as Rudiger had reportedly verbally agreed to join Tottenham this summer.
The defender seemed all but destined for a return to the Premier League, but after showing how useful he can be to Los Blancos, the club now see him as someone they want to keep for a few more years, much to Tottenham's dismay.
Rudiger has been a loyal servant to the club since his arrival in the summer of 2022, stepping up in big moments when the club needs him most. The defender has especially stepped up this season, playing much more than originally expected following all the injuries to Dean Huijsen, Eder Militao, and Raul Asencio this season. While Rudiger himself has dealt with injuries this season, he's still continuing to step up when Real Madrid need him to.
The 32-year-old is among the oldest players in the squad, and with the squad only getting young and younger every year, players with veteran experience are needed to keep a balance in the team, and Rudiger is exactly the kind of player needed in the dressing room.
Real are still looking at long-term center-back options like Nico Schlotterbeck and Ibrahima Konate this summer, Rudiger will still play a vital role even if he's not the regular starter he used to be. Given his age, the most likely offer will be a one or two year deal, and given his wages aren't that big of an issue, keeping him wouldn't do any harm to the club.