Madrid’s Backline Shake-Up: Rudiger’s Exit Talks Spark Alonso’s Defensive Makeover

Real Madrid has reportedly decided not to renew Antonio Rudiger's contract, which expires next summer, because his role in the team has diminished.

According to the German newspaper Bild, Rudiger failed to convince the new coach Xabi Alonso of his abilities, despite being a mainstay in the defense over the past three seasons.

Real Madrid is looking to cut the wage bill, arguing that Rudiger represents a heavy financial burden for a player who is currently a squad option.

A New Defensive Era Under Alonso

It has been clear that Alonso intends to reshape Madrid's backline since taking charge at the start of the season, especially after the defense was blamed for several defeats under Carlo Ancelotti.

Last summer's transfer window saw heavy spending as the club focused on strengthening the backline.

He signed right back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free from Liverpool, then the club spent 110 million euros to sign Dutch defender Dien Huysen and left back Alvaro Carreras.

Alonso also promoted young defender Raul Asensio from Castilla to the first team after standout 2024-25 season.

A Trusted Duo

Huysen quickly established himself in the starting lineup thanks to strong displays, while Rudiger and Asensio featured alongside him in the Club World Cup, though both showed moments of lapse.

Since the start of the 2025-26 season, the Huysen-Militao partnership has been the most cohesive and composed.

Militao, who endured two serious ACL injuries in the past two seasons, has shown resolve and even occasionally outshined his younger Dutch teammate.

Rudiger Out of the Picture

According to Bild, Alonso has not been convinced by Rudiger's abilities, viewing the German defender as injury-prone and lacking consistency.

Since the start of this La Liga season, Rudiger has played only one match against Real Oviedo in round two, as Madrid won 3-0.

He missed the opening match against Osasuna due to a suspension from accumulated cards, a game the Whites won 1-0.

He suffered a hamstring injury in September, underwent surgery, and is expected to return in December at the earliest.

Even after his return, it is unlikely he will reclaim a starting role given the strong showings of Huysen and Militao, unless Alonso opts for three at the back.

Uncertain Future

Rudiger's contract runs until 2026; approaching 33 in March; Real Madrid has no plans to offer a renewal.

Madrid wants to ease payroll pressure by offloading Rudiger, whose annual salary is around 14 million euros.

The club is monitoring top names to replace him, including Ibrahim Konaté from Liverpool who will be out of contract next summer, and others such as Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace and Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich.

Notably, the idea of parting ways with Rudiger is not new; AS reported last July that the club was open to his departure.

AS noted that Rudiger featured in 55 of 68 last season, totaling 4540 minutes, with two injuries last season: a muscular injury in February and a more serious cartilage tear in April that sidelined him for 10 matches.

Yet Rudiger's early arthritis risk in one knee adds to Madrid's worries, and the club did not rule out selling him last summer if a suitable offer came.

Recently, Rudiger has been linked with a move to a Saudi Pro League club, a possible destination given his age and track record.

Madrid is preparing to return to La Liga after the international break, traveling to Getafe on Sunday for round nine.

Madrid leads the Spanish league with 21 points after eight rounds, two points ahead of Barcelona in second.

Punchline 1: If Rudiger leaves, Madrid might finally stop paying a bench-warming specialist to moonlight as a defender.

Punchline 2: When Alonso reshapes a defense, even the statue in the centre circle asks for a password reset.