Alarm bells have been ringing at Real Madrid in recent hours, and with good reason. With the team already struggling with its center backs in recent years, images of Antonio Rudiger dining with Fernando Hierro, sporting director of Al Nassr, have sparked rumors about the German international’s future, as this is not the first time he has been linked with Arab soccer.
Rudiger is nearing the end of his career
Alarm bells have been ringing for Antonio Rudiger in recent hours after the German footballer was seen having dinner with Fernando Hierro, the current sporting director of Al Nassr. Although the rumors are not new, the issue seemed to have been settled, but it appears that this may not be the case.
The truth is that Antonio Rudiger, who has just turned 32, is coming to the end of his contract with Real Madrid next season, and at the moment, there do not appear to be any talks for a possible renewal. On the other hand, the player is nearing the end of his career, and although he still has a few years of football left, it could be time to look for one last big contract, with a lucrative salary, to put an end to his career in the world of football.
Furthermore, the footballer is a well-known Muslim, and he did not think it would be a bad option to end his sporting career in a country such as Saudi Arabia, where this religion is predominant, so all the ingredients are there for at least a simple photograph to have raised suspicions at Real Madrid.
Rudiger denies any move
It was the footballer himself who put out the fire that was started by a simple photograph. The footballer has stated that he has no intention of leaving Real Madrid in the short term. At the moment, his focus is on recovering as soon as possible so that he can be fit in time for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup.
In addition, he knows that there is new competition for his position with the arrival of Dean Huijsen, and he wants to prove that he is more than capable of keeping his place in the starting lineup. He also wants to use his experience to contribute and help the new players. The 2026 World Cup is also key. The German international knows that there is no better place to secure his place than at Real Madrid.
A move to Arab football could mean his departure from the German team, something that is not in his plans, as is logical, for the coming season.
Rudiger, as we have mentioned, has one more season left on his contract with Real Madrid and believes that the most logical thing to do is to fulfill it. He has his destiny in his own hands, and his performance on the field will determine his decision starting next season. Given Real Madrid’s policy of renewing contracts with players over the age of 30, if the club wants him and he gets the playing time he wants, he would have no problem extending his contract for another year. If not, he would still have time to sign for another club, either in Europe or start a new adventure on another continent.
For the moment, Antonio Rudiger denies that he will leave Real Madrid this season. He is focused on the club and his desire is to continue enjoying his current club and be part of this new era in which the Whites will once again be one of the favorites to win everything, starting with the Club World Cup, which begins in just over a week.