Antonio Rudiger is reportedly not interested in leaving Real Madrid next year amid suggestions that he could be offered the chance to make a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.
The Germany international has been a vital player for Los Blancos since arriving on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer of 2022, making 115 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering three assists in the process.
Rudiger has again been key for Carlo Ancelotti's side this term, making 14 appearances, scoring twice, with his two goals coming in the league phase of the Champions League.
The centre-back has a contract at Bernabeu until June 2026, but there has been speculation surrounding his future of late, with recent reports claiming that he was open to making the move to Saudi Arabia.
Rudiger could become one of the best-paid players in world football with a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League, but according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, a move away from Real Madrid is not currently on his mind.
![Antonio Rudiger in action for Germany in June 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/antonio-rudiger.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Antonio Rudiger in action for Germany in June 2024 [IMAGO]")
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Rudiger 'not interested in Saudi Pro League move'
Plettenberg claims that Rudiger is 'comfortable' at Real Madrid, and he is open to the idea of signing a contract extension at Bernabeu, although there have not yet been any discussions with the Spanish giants.
At 31, Rudiger still has a lot of football ahead of him, and it would be a surprise if he was open to leaving Los Blancos at this stage of his career considering that he is a vital player for the club.
The centre-back made 53 appearances in his first season at Bernabeu before playing a further 48 times last term, and he has won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, the Club World Cup and two UEFA Super Cups during his time at the club.
Rudiger has been even more important for Real Madrid considering David Alaba's injury problems, with the Austria international out since last December with a serious knee injury, and it is still unclear when he will return.
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Will Real Madrid sign a new centre-back in 2025?
Al-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte is believed to be Real Madrid's leading centre-back target for next year, but there are other options, with Velez Sarsfield's Valentin Gomez said to have emerged as an alternative.
Gomez could allegedly be available for as little as €10m (£8m), with the 21-year-old therefore representing a potential bargain in the current market, but it remains to be seen whether Los Blancos move for him.
Much will depend on Alaba and how the Austrian returns from his long-term injury, but at least one centre-back will be required next year, as Jesus Vallejo is not in the club's plans and will be moved on.
Eder Militao has also been linked with a possible switch to Saudi Arabia, but it is highly unlikely that the Brazil international will be on the move next summer.
Matt Law
