Real Madrid in talks with defensive leader over renewal, decision likely next week | OneFootball

Earlier this week, Real Madrid announced that captain Dani Carvajal will leave the club at the end of the season, with his contract expiring.

While it has not been officially confirmed, David Alaba is also expected to follow Carvajal on his way out, with the Austrian’s current deal also running out.

Another defender whose contract expires on June 30 happens to be Antonio Rudiger, but unlike Carvajal and Alaba, the German international is likely to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Talks ongoing over a renewal

Indeed, according to Mario Cortegana of The Athletic, Rudiger is in talks with Real Madrid over extending his contract beyond this season.

Renewal talks in progress. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

The 33-year-old remains one of the team’s leaders and those within the dressing room expect for him to sign a new deal with the club.

As is the club’s policy for players over 30 years old, Real Madrid are offering Rudiger only a one-year extension.

Even though reports earlier suggested that Rudiger and Real Madrid had agreed on a one-year extension, the aforementioned update claims otherwise.

So far, there is no agreement between the two parties and talks are ongoing, with a resolution expected next week – one way or another.

Rudiger’s renewal will be key

A locker room leader. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

At a time when Real Madrid are going through major transition, retaining a player like Rudiger becomes extremely important.

With Carvajal and Alaba on their way out, Los Blancos are saying goodbye to two of the most experienced players and locker-room leaders. That is why extending Rudiger’s contract will be even more necessary.

Even though he has had a season disrupted by injuries, the German international remains one of the leaders inside the dressing room and on the pitch.

As such, ensuring that he remains a part of the team for the upcoming season will be critical for Real Madrid.