Real Madrid veteran defender sends clear message to club over renewal talks | OneFootball

The future of Antonio Rudiger has become one of the hot topics around Real Madrid in recent weeks. The German centre-back has struggled to regain rhythm since his last injury, sparking questions about his role moving forward.

The veteran defender’s current contract runs until June 2026, effectively just one more season, which has inevitably fuelled speculation over his continuity beyond the ongoing campaign.

Real Madrid have already started weighing up their options, particularly with Ibrahima Konate lined up as a potential arrival, either for this summer or the next.

Rudiger leaves it up to the club

Now, according to Defensa Central, initial discussions with Rudiger over a potential contract renewal have been telling.

The defender has made his stance clear: “I don’t want to leave Real Madrid, but I’ll accept whatever the club decides. We have time to talk…” A message that has already reached the club’s hierarchy.

Rüdiger’s preference is straightforward: he wants to stay and extend his contract. However, the final call rests with the club. Both his camp and the club acknowledge that summer 2026 could be decisive, when he will be 33 and entering the final year of his deal.

Rudiger’s contract expires in 2026. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

That timeline also coincides with Real Madrid’s push to bring in Konate – a move that could reduce Rudiger’s space in the squad. For now, the German is focused solely on this season, hoping to remain central to Xabi Alonso’s project.

His place is under greater pressure than before. Dean Huijsen has emerged as a starter and Eder Militao has returned to strong form, a duo that could well become Alonso’s first-choice partnership.

Rudiger, however, is back in the squad for the upcoming clash with Oviedo after missing the Osasuna game due to suspension and will look to prove he can still perform at the highest level.

Real Madrid are expected to address his future in the coming months. While no final decision has been made, the player himself is clear: he wants to continue in white. A one-year extension, in line with the club’s policy for players over 30, would suit him.

If he rediscovers his best form, he remains an invaluable option at the back. But with competition intensifying and decisions looming, his future will be one of the key storylines heading into 2026.