Saudi Arabia ‘in love’ with Real Madrid defensive leader – Romano | OneFootball

With Real Madrid swiftly moving towards a new era in central defence, the club look set to part ways with their veteran core. After all, the department is laden with players over the age of 30 who played a crucial role in recent years.

David Alaba is reportedly set to leave the club next summer, especially given that the club do not see it to be feasible to continue offering him high wages given his limited participation and unpredictable fitness.

Antonio Rudiger, however, also has his future under a cloud of doubt after the arrival of Dean Huijsen and the return of Eder Militao from injury. After all, the club are looking to sign a new defender next summer as well.

Destination Arabia?

As relayed in a recent report by Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Arabian clubs are in love with the Real Madrid veteran and see him to be the ideal target to bring to their league in the coming years.

Rudiger is currently out with injury. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Clubs from the Saudi Arabian league have been monitoring the player for the past 2-3 years as a potential target but the player was focused on Real Madrid solely and thus never visualised a move away from the club.

With his future now in doubt, talks between Rudiger and Saudi Arabia could begin in the coming months and it remains to be seen if any agreement can be reached over a move next summer, when his contract expires.

A large part of the player’s decision will undoubtedly depend on the trust bestowed on him by Xabi Alonso and the prominence he enjoys in the coming months.

Given his leadership, he will likely continue to be a regular member of the dynamics once he recovers from his latest setback.

So far this season, the German star has made one start for Real Madrid and played ninety minutes against Real Oviedo putting in a solid display.