Rudiger's contract situation is playing out against the backdrop of a wider defensive renewal at Madrid. The club is actively planning for the future, with the emergence of Huijsen being a key part of that process.
Furthermore, the club reportedly intends to sign another top-tier centre-back next season to bolster the backline. Reports in Spain have suggested that Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate is considered the "best placed" target for that slot.
Despite these plans for new additions, Marca clarifies that Rudiger's name still "figures in the main plans" for the medium term. The club believes his experience and leadership are vital to bridge the transition as younger talents are integrated.
The outlook appears less certain for Rudiger's fellow defender, David Alaba. The Austrian's contract also expires in 2026, but his persistent injury problems have severely hampered his continuity. As of today, Alaba's renewal is considered "very complicated" by the club.
While the formal negotiations for Rudiger are on hold, his continuity is far from discarded. The economic foundations for a new deal are already on the table, awaiting the moment when both parties can reconvene in early 2026, provided the defender's recovery confirms he is back to his best.