Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba’s time at Real Madrid hangs in the balance as the club eyes fresh defensive talent this summer.
Both stars, tied to contracts expiring in 2026, find their roles under scrutiny. The Spanish giants, led by president Florentino Pérez, have tightened the purse strings lately, leaving fans wondering how he’ll juggle the futures of these seasoned defenders.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti remains a firm supporter, valuing their experience and knack for mentoring the squad’s rising stars.
Alaba joined Real Madrid on a five-year deal announced on 28 May 2021, kicking off with a debut start in a 4–1 thrashing of Alavés on 14 August.
Rudiger followed, signing as a free agent on 2 June 2022 with a four-year contract, and debuted off the bench in a 2–0 UEFA Super Cup win over Eintracht Frankfurt on 10 August.
As the club weighs its options, the blend of youth and veteran grit could shape Real Madrid’s backline for years to come or signal the end for two defensive stalwarts.