Crystal Palace have reportedly opened talks to sign Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger ahead of the summer transfer window, with a return to the Premier League now on the cards, according to CaughtOffside.
Rudiger is set to be out of contract at Madrid in the summer, meaning he will be free to find a new club ahead of the 2026/2027 season. The German international has struggled to cement his place as a regular with the Spanish giants this campaign, and as a result, a departure could be in the pipeline in the coming months.
Rudiger has played over 130 times in the Premier League during his career, spending five seasons with capital club Chelsea. Although now 32 years old, Rudiger has shown he's capable of playing at the highest level still, so there will likely be a host of clubs battling for his signature later this year.
Crystal Palace Eye German International
Real Madrid CF`s Antonio Rudiger during Champions League 2025/2026 match. December 10,2025. (ALTERPHOTOS/Ropero)
According to Caught Offside, Crystal Palace are among a number of Premier League clubs who have opened talks with Rudiger over a possible move later this year. Uncertainty surrounding his future, with no new contract signed, has alerted multiple clubs, and the race is open for his signature.
The Eagles are believed to be looking to add some experience to their back line after losing their captain, Marc Guehi, to Manchester City in the January transfer window.
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Rudiger has a release clause of around £348m in his Real Madrid contract, but with his deal expiring, Palace will be able to secure his signature for nothing if they manage to win the race.
It could be a competitive race for the German international, but Palace appear to be keen on trying to win it.
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Bringing in Rudiger on a free transfer could be a smart addition for the Eagles, but it certainly shouldn't be their Guehi replacement. Guehi was a leader on and off the pitch for Palace, and at the age of 25, he was in his prime years before leaving.
Rudiger is reaching the latter stages of his career, and although he can do a job for them, Palace need to find a Guehi replacement - someone of a younger profile with high potential and sell-on value.
Palace fans might be a little disappointed if they allow Guehi to depart and bring in a 32-year-old on a free transfer to replace him.