Real Madrid stall renewal talks with veteran defender due to injury | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defence has been carried by Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen so far this season, and both players have performed at a good level.

The depth in the department, however, has been significantly cut short owing to David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger’s injuries.

While the former has largely had a fragile fitness record in recent years, Rudiger is not one to miss such long periods through setbacks.

An unfortunate thigh injury in September, however, placed his time on the sidelines at three months and the player is yet to make a return to the field.

At this point, though, it is expected to be just around the corner.

The renewal relation

As relayed by MARCA, Rudiger’s injury has had a direct impact on the negotiations between Real Madrid over a contract renewal and matters are not expected to progress until the defender returns to the field.

The two parties began negotiations over a renewal a while ago but are currently on hold as both the German international and the club felt it would be wrong to discuss financial terms and a renewal when the player was focused on his recovery.

Real Madrid have stalled contract talks with Rudiger. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

The pause, thus, is only via a mutual understanding.

Rudiger wants to continue at Real Madrid without any doubt and both parties can expect to make progress in early 2026 once the veteran returns to the field and proves his fitness.

After all, he remains a vital and trusted member of the team’s defence.

So far this season, Rudiger has played only one game for Real Madrid in La Liga although he was a crucial part of the squad in the FIFA Club World Cup campaign.

Speaking in a recent interview, in fact, the player even admitted how it was good for him to have faced an injury given that he needed the time and space to recover after last season which the calendar did not otherwise permit.