Real Madrid facing a dilemma with the contract situations of veteran duo | OneFootball

Real Madrid are never afraid of cutting ties with club legends in recent years when they feel that the time is right to move on.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Marcelo, and Casemiro – nobody was seen as an exception.

Now, the Merengues could be entering a similar situation with two of their most seasoned campaigners in David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger.

Real Madrid undecided on Alaba, Rudiger renewals

Indeed, according to AS, Real Madrid are still unclear about whether to offer new contracts to both Alaba and Rudiger, whose current deals expire in 2026.

Alaba and Rudiger were signed as part of Real Madrid’s strategy to recruit experienced, top-level players on free transfers. Their arrival helped fill the void left by Ramos and Varane while also aiding in Eder Militao’s improvement.

But now the Merengues are looking to renew their defensive line for the future and intend to build it around Militao, this season’s breakout star Raul Asencio and top target for the summer, Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.

Rudiger’s contract expires in 2026. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This leaves the situation of Alaba and Rudiger in limbo. Carlo Ancelotti favours maintaining experienced players in the squad to alternate with younger talents. Playing alongside veterans is seen as essential for the development of Asencio and Huijsen.

At the same time, though, both Alaba and Rudiger are 32 years old and entering the final phase of their respective careers.

Furthermore, Alaba’s situation is particularly delicate as he is one of the club’s highest earners, with a salary exceeding €10 million per year.

The Austrian has only recently recovered from a significant ACL injury that kept him sidelined for over a year and it remains to be seen how he performs.

Meanwhile, Rudiger has not had any such severe injuries but has been playing through chronic pain for several months.

All these factors will contribute in Real Madrid’s decision-making as they look to to balance experience with emerging talent in the squad.