Real Madrid will not renew the contracts of veteran defenders David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, whose current deals expire in June 2026, as the club accelerates its transition to a younger squad under head coach Xabi Alonso.
Salary and Injuries Block Summer Exits for Alaba and Rudiger
Alaba, 33, and Rudiger, 32, have been pivotal in recent seasons, with the latter serving as a defensive cornerstone.
However, persistent injuries—Alaba missed most of 2024-25 with knee issues—and high salaries have influenced the decision.
Despite both players being free to leave this summer, the club anticipates they will see out their contracts, as finding suitors willing to match their wages remains challenging.
This move aligns with Real Madrid’s strategic shift toward youth. Under Alonso, the club signed 20-year-old centre-back Dean Huijsen and 22-year-old left-back Alvaro Carreras this summer, while targeting marquee defenders like Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate for 2026.
A recent approach for Arsenal’s William Saliba was rejected, signaling planned reinforcement delays until next year.
Alonso’s appointment heralded a “change of cycle,” with legends Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez departing after their contracts expired.
The new coach demands energetic pressing and tactical flexibility—areas where younger signings fit better. Last season’s defensive record (84 goals conceded) further fueled this rebuild.
For Alaba and Rüdiger, the 2025-26 campaign will serve as a farewell tour. Their experience will bridge the transition, but Alonso’s project looks firmly beyond them.
