Real Madrid ‘very open to extending’ key defender’s contract amid Saudi Arabia interest

Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to offer a new contract to key defender Antonio Rudiger.

The experienced centre-back is currently facing an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu despite being an important player in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Rudiger is set to enter the final 12 months of his current Real Madrid deal, which will expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.

As it stands, Los Blancos would be running the risk of Rudiger leaving on a free transfer in just over a year if they do not agree a new deal.

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Real Madrid ready to secure Rudiger’s future

However, according to journalist Florian Plettenburg, Real Madrid are now willing to get the ball rolling in a bid to tie Rudiger down to a new contract.

The update claims that Real Madrid are ‘very open to extending’ Rudiger’s stay at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Los Blancos considering the prospect of offering him a new contract until the summer of 2028.

The Germany international is believed to be the subject of transfer interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League ahead of the summer window.

Rudiger is understood to be keen to commit his future to Real Madrid, although he has left the door open to returning to Serie A before he calls time on his playing career.

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Why are Real Madrid determined to keep Rudiger?

There has been plenty of speculation suggesting Real Madrid will make an effort to sign at least one centre-back in the summer transfer window.

Bournemouth defender is among those who have been linked with a potential move to the Spanish capital ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

While there could be reinforcements, Los Blancos will still benefit from keeping hold of a player of Rudiger’s calibre and experience.

Rudiger has been a dependable figure in the Real Madrid backline, especially as he has had to marshal a backline that has been affected by injuries to Eder Militao, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal in the past two seasons.

The 32-year-old has featured in 145 matches since he arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea in 2022, including 39 starts in 43 appearances this season.

Rudiger demonstrated he is the man for the big occasion in Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Real Sociedad, scoring an 115th-minute winner in extra time to set up a Clasico final against Barcelona.

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