Saudi clubs ready to place Real Madrid defender among league’s highest earners amid contract uncertainty | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger’s situation at Real Madrid has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the club’s defensive setup this season. 

Even though he remains a respected and reliable figure at the Bernabeu, there is growing uncertainty about what comes next for the German international. 

His contract runs only until the end of the current campaign, and with no progress on a renewal, the possibility of his final months in Madrid is becoming increasingly realistic.

A report from SPORT has now added another layer to the complexity, suggesting that Rudiger could be in line for what may be the biggest contract of his career. 

What’s the story?

Saudi Arabia, whose clubs have aggressively pursued top European names in recent seasons, are reportedly ready to place him among the highest-paid players in their league. 

As such, the interest is far from new, as Rudiger was already a serious target for the Saudi project last summer, but at the time, he chose to remain in Madrid and fight for his place.

Saudi Arabian teams are quite serious about Antonio Rudiger. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Now, the report claims that multiple clubs are prepared to table an offer that would elevate Rudiger into the top-five earners in the Saudi Pro League. 

The numbers being discussed range between €30 million and €35 million per season, roughly twice what he currently receives at Real Madrid. 

To put it in perspective, only Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Karim Benzema would be ahead of him on the salary list.

Talks likely to begin in January

From January onwards, Saudi representatives are expected to open formal discussions with Rudiger’s camp, as the defender will be free to negotiate with any club once he enters the final six months of his deal. 

Despite the growing noise around Saudi Arabia, Rudiger’s preference is to stay in Europe and continue competing at the highest level with Real Madrid. 

However, with no updates on renewal talks and a massive financial package awaiting him elsewhere, the defender may soon be forced to evaluate alternative paths for the next chapter of his career.