Antonio Rudiger on his way out at Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso unimpressed by ex-Chelsea defender

This past summer, Madrid invested heavily in the summer, with three of their five signings reinforcing the backline. Indeed, the Spanish heavyweights signed Trent Alexander-Arnold for free from Liverpool, before splurging a combined fee of €110 million (£95m/$129m) on centre-back Dean Huijsen and left-back Alvaro Carreras. Raul Asencio, after an impressive debut season in 2024-25, earned a promotion from Castilla.

Huijsen has already nailed his spot in the Madrid starting XI following some solid displays. Rudiger and Asencio featured alongside the former Bournemouth defender in the Club World Cup, with both defenders showing frequent lapses in concentration. However, since the start of the 2025-26 season, it has been Huijsen's partnership with Eder Militao which has given the highest sense of calm and authority in defence. The Brazilian, having suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries twice in the previous two seasons, looks like a man on a mission, sometimes even outshining the ever-impressive Huijsen. 

According to a report from Bild, Alonso is unconvinced by Rudiger's abilities, with the head coach believing that the German international has become extremely injury-prone and inconsistent. Indeed, a hamstring injury in September and subsequent operation means the ex-Chelsea man will remain on the sidelines until at least the start of December. Once he recovers, it is unlikely that he will displace either Huijsen or Militao in the heart of the defence, unless Alonso opts for a three-man defence. 

Rudiger's contract with Madrid expires next summer. Aware that he will turn 33 in March, and the fact that his role has been reduced to that of a backup, the club's hierarchy are not considering offering an extension to the two-time Champions League winner. Madrid are keen on freeing up space on their wage bill by offloading Rudiger, who currently earns an annual gross salary of €14m (£12m/$16.5m). 

Moreover, the record La Liga and Champions League holders have been heavily linked with a move for Ibrahima Konate, who will become a free agent next summer. The likes of Marc Guehi and Dayot Upamecano are on Madrid's shortlist, too.