LaLiga

Real Madrid Not Ruling Out Rudiger Exit Amid Saudi Offers

With the 2024/25 season now concluded, Real Madrid have said farewell to two club legends: Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez, who departed upon the expiry of their contracts.

As the Merengues shift their focus to the 2025/26 campaign, four key players are now in the final year of their contracts – Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois.

All four are over the age of 30, which places them under the club’s policy of offering one-year renewals from that point on.

As reported earlier today, an agreement has been reached for Courtois to continue at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2027. As far as Alaba is concerned, an exit remains on the table given his injury woes and high salary.

Rudiger departure not ruled out
Now, according to AS, Real Madrid are not ruling out the sale of Antonio Rudiger this summer if a satisfactory offer is presented.

There have been links with clubs in Saudi Arabia, which could be a realistic destination for the German international considering his age, career achievements, and the fact that he is in the final year of his contract.

Rudiger has been a stalwart defensively for Real Madrid since arriving, but endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, playing through knee injury and discomfort for large parts.

Having undergone surgery in the latter parts of the campaign, the German returned to action at the FIFA Club World Cup and looked off-colour.

Despite his consistency and leadership qualities, Real Madrid are concerned about his early-onset osteoarthritis in one knee.

With Dean Huijsen having arrived this summer, and there being talk of an early move for Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool, Rudiger’s departure from Real Madrid this summer might not be outside the realm of possibility, as long as a good offer arrives.

Madriduniversal.com

Lucky Maurice

Recent Posts

**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have…

28 minutes ago

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan

Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan Liverpool…

1 hour ago

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’

Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will 'put Lionel…

8 hours ago

Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final

Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World…

8 hours ago

Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive

Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive…

8 hours ago

Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup

Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel's fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup…

8 hours ago