Rudiger set to stay at Real Madrid for one more year

Real Madrid are edging closer to keeping Antonio Rudiger for at least one more season, with the defender expected to sign a new one-year deal after months of negotiations with the club.

Talks between Madrid and the out-of-contract centre-back had dragged on, but recent discussions are described as more concrete and positive, putting an agreement within reach.

Rudiger has fought his way into becoming a key pillar of Madrid’s backline in the second half of the campaign, recovering from earlier injury problems to re-establish himself as a trusted option in defence. At 33, he still has a major role to play at the top level and is also set to be an important figure for Germany at the World Cup next month.

The anticipated extension would give Madrid stability and experience at the heart of their defence while buying the club time to plan longer-term moves in the market. It would also allow Rudiger to continue competing for major trophies in Spain and in Europe, while heading into the World Cup with his club future largely settled.