Real Madrid’s central defense has undergone significant changes in recent years. In 2021 June, just before Varane’s departure to Manchester United, the club signed David Alaba from Bayern Munich. The following year, Antonio Rudiger was brought in from Chelsea. Both transfers were free, as both players were out of contract with their respective clubs.
Alaba and Rudiger have played crucial roles in Real Madrid’s recent success. However, with both players over the age of 30, the club is looking to reinforce its defense and bring in young talents. Real Madrid has already been linked with various defenders, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen reported to be their top target.
According to reports from AS, Real Madrid has yet to decide on whether to offer new contracts to the veterans. The club will certainly look at several factors before deciding whether to extend the contracts of Alaba and Rudiger.
Among them age is a significant factor for players, especially at a club like Real Madrid, where expectation knows no bounds. Los Blancos are not hesitant to part ways with players once they reach a certain age. In recent years, the club has let go of legends like Ronaldo, Ramos, and Casemiro in order to promote emerging talents.
Injuries is another factor that will play a role in the decision. This year, Alaba suffered an ACL tear and missed the majority of the games. He has featured in only 9 matches this season. Even after returning from injury, it remains to be seen whether he can return to his previous form.
As for Rudiger, although he has not suffered any major injuries, he has been playing through chronic pain for a prolonged period. The club will surely take these into consideration.
On a positive note, Carlo Ancelotti wants to keep the veterans at the club for a little longer, and there are reasons for this. With the increasing number of games and the frequency of matches, having depth in all positions is necessary.
At the start of the season, with Militao and Alaba both injured, Tchouameni had to play out of his natural position to fill in at center-back in some games. Later, Raul Asensio was given a chance. He has quickly established himself in the squad.
Although Asensio has displayed solid defensive capabilities, he is still young and in the development stages of his career. With Huijsen also a potential addition to Real Madrid, veterans like Alaba and Rudiger can help the younger players better understand the game and ease into the squad.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Alaba and Rudiger. Both Rudiger and Alaba’s contracts expire in 2026. While both players remain important for Los Blancos, the club must carefully consider whether to extend their contracts or look beyond them.