Real Madrid to announce defensive mainstay’s contract extension alongside new signings – Romano | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s summer is expected to be dominated by new arrivals, but the club has moved to secure the future of one of the dressing room’s most experienced figures.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Antonio Rudiger signed his new Real Madrid contract two weeks ago, with the agreement now fully completed and awaiting official confirmation from the club. 

The extension will keep the German defender at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 2027 and has received the approval of incoming manager Jose Mourinho.

It is a significant decision at a time when Madrid are preparing for major changes at the back.

Real Madrid reward experience

At Real Madrid, the headlines this summer will inevitably focus on new faces.

Rudiger has signed an extension with Real Madrid. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The club us moving forward with plans to strengthen their defence, with players such as Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries set to arrive as part of the club’s rebuilding process. 

However, alongside those additions, the hierarchy also wanted to ensure they retained an established leader within the squad, with Rudiger rooted in the plan.

According to the journalist, all documents relating to the defender’s renewal have already been signed. 

In fact, the club deliberately delayed the official announcement until after Florentino Perez’s presidential election victory, allowing other priorities to take centre stage.

Crucial renewal for Real Madrid

It must be noted that there was genuine uncertainty earlier in the season as Rudiger’s previous contract approached its expiry date. 

Mourinho approved Rudiger’s extension. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Negotiations continued for several weeks, and both parties ultimately found common ground and reached an agreement.

Meanwhile, the arrival of new defenders naturally raises questions about competition and hierarchy within the squad. 

Yet Mourinho viewed Rudiger’s renewal as an important part of the club’s plans rather than an obstacle to them.

Notably, Rudiger’s renewal includes a reduction from Rudiger’s previous salary package, which was believed to be worth around €14 million gross per season.