As preparations for the new season gather pace, Real Madrid are already making tough calls behind the scenes, and one reported decision has sent ripples through the dressing room.
According to emerging reports, Antonio Rüdiger’s time at the Santiago Bernabéu is drawing to a close, with the experienced centre-back said to have already bid farewell to teammates ahead of next season.
Fitness concerns behind decisive call 🏥
Sources close to the situation suggest the move has nothing to do with attitude or internal conflict. Instead, it is believed that Xabi Alonso has serious reservations about Rüdiger’s long-term physical reliability.
The German defender has struggled with recurring fitness issues, and Alonso is reportedly unwilling to build his defensive plans around a player who may require constant physical management. The coach is said to be prioritising pace, durability and consistency at the back — qualities he believes are essential for maintaining high performance across an entire campaign.
Leadership respected, but future plans clear 🧠
Despite Rüdiger’s strong influence in the squad and his leadership qualities off the pitch, Alonso is understood to have made a firm decision not to include him in next season’s plans. It is described as a difficult yet calculated step, aimed at preventing potential defensive instability.
Reports also claim that Rüdiger has accepted the reality of the situation, acknowledging that his body is no longer responding at the same level as in previous years.
What’s next for Rüdiger? 🌍
At this stage, the defender’s next destination remains uncertain. A move to Saudi Arabia is believed to be under consideration, driven by financial appeal and a less physically demanding schedule. A continued stay in Europe has not been ruled out either, provided medical assessments align with interested clubs’ expectations.
Madrid already looking ahead 🔄
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are said to be accelerating plans to refresh their defensive unit, targeting younger and more physically robust players in line with Alonso’s long-term vision.
If confirmed, Rüdiger’s exit would signal the end of a notable chapter at the Bernabéu — and the beginning of a new era built on youth, intensity and physical dominance as Los Blancos look to remain at the top of European football.
👌
Leave a Reply