Madrid Universal
·13 July 2024
Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal ready to make Real Madrid veteran the highest-paid defender – report
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Madrid Universal
·13 July 2024
A month ago, whispers began to circulate about Real Madrid’s star defender, Antonio Rudiger, drawing attention from Saudi Arabian football clubs. Initially, Rudiger appeared uninterested in the potential move.
However, recent reports from SPORT reveal that he has now received multiple offers from the Middle East, notably from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, and these offers are lucrative enough to make him the highest-paid defender globally.
Currently, Real Madrid have no intention of parting ways with Rudiger. The player, in turn, seems content to stay with the Spanish giants.
This mutual desire to remain united is understandable, especially given the circumstances of the past season.
Injuries to key defenders Eder Militao and David Alaba left a significant void in Real Madrid’s defence, which Rudiger admirably filled. Despite being 31 years old, Rudiger’s exceptional performance last season has only increased his value.
Al-Nassr, a team that boasts stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, and Sadio Mane, is reportedly keen on adding Rudiger to their ranks.
They currently have Aymeric Laporte as their primary defensive asset, but the dream of strengthening their defence with Rudiger is strong.
Antonio Rudiger has no interest in leaving Real Madrid. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)
The idea is to pair Rudiger with Laporte, creating a formidable defensive duo. The financial offer on the table for Rudiger is astronomical, designed to tempt him into forming a top-tier defensive partnership.
Similarly, Al-Hilal, are also in the hunt. Their goal is to bolster a defence that already features standout players like Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
If Rudiger were to join Al-Hilal, he would be in the company of notable talents such as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, Renan Lodi, and Bono.
Despite these enticing offers, Real Madrid remain firm in their decision not to sell Rudiger. The player himself is not inclined to leave La Liga.
The departure of Nacho to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Qadsiah and the uncertain physical conditions of Alaba and Militao are pivotal reasons why Real Madrid are unwilling to consider letting go of their most dependable centre-back.
While the Saudi Arabian league is likely to continue its efforts to persuade all parties involved that Rudiger’s transfer would be mutually beneficial, the reality is that such an operation appears highly improbable.
Rudiger’s value to Real Madrid, coupled with his own commitment to the club, makes any potential move a complex and unlikely scenario.
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