Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is reportedly set to leave the club next summer after falling out of favour under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The German international, who joined Los Blancos from Chelsea in 2022, has struggled for minutes this season and is no longer part of Alonso’s long-term plans.
Rudiger’s current deal expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and Real Madrid are not expected to offer him a renewal, reports Sporting News.
Having featured just once this season before sustaining a hamstring injury in September, Rudiger’s place in the squad has been overtaken by new arrivals.
Real Madrid strengthened their defence during the summer by signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras, leaving the 32-year-old further down the pecking order.
Alonso’s Madrid Move On Without Rudiger
Under Alonso, Real Madrid have made a stunning start to the campaign, sitting top of La Liga with 21 points from eight games and winning both of their Champions League fixtures.
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The transition has seen a tactical shift, with younger and more dynamic defenders fitting the new system.
Rudiger, who was a regular under former boss Carlo Ancelotti, has reportedly been deemed too injury-prone and inconsistent for Alonso’s setup.
He is expected to be sidelined until December following surgery, missing around 18 matches in total.
Letting Rudiger go would also ease Madrid’s wage bill, with the centre-back currently earning an annual salary of €14 million (£12m/$16.5m).
Reports suggest that Ibrahima Konaté, Marc Guehi, and Dayot Upamecano are on Real Madrid’s shortlist as potential replacements ahead of next season.
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