Real Madrid's German defender Antonio Rudiger and Real Madrid's Austrian defender David Alaba (R) gesture during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 9, 2023. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
Real Madrid's German defender Antonio Rudiger and Real Madrid's Austrian defender David Alaba (R) gesture during the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg football match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on May 9, 2023. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
The appointment of Xabi Alonso as the Real Madrid head coach has led to a series of changes within the dressing room this summer.
The club are focusing more on younger stars rather than relying heavily on the legends of the past, with both Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez leaving this summer.
Real Madrid’s attitude towards other older players who are still a part of the team have also changed, thus impacting the role of players like Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.
Although Alaba has struggled with injuries in the recent past, Rudiger has been a key cog in Real Madrid’s backline in recent years. But it appears his days at Bernabeu are numbered.
In fact, a recent report from AS suggests Real Madrid have no plans to renew the contracts of Alaba and Rudiger.
Both players are currently in the final year of their contracts, meaning they are supposed to become free agents at the end of the season.
david alaba in action for real madrid
David Alaba clearly has no future at Real Madrid. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Although it is not specifically mentioned whether or not Real Madrid are looking to sell both of them this summer, it must be noted that Alaba has already been linked with a move away from Bernabeu throughout this summer.
The Austrian has a lucrative salary package at Real Madrid and his exit could pave the way for Los Blancos to bring in another defender, with Ibrahima Konate emerging as the top target.
However, it is unlikely Real Madrid will find suitors for Rudiger and Alaba this summer, especially considering the fact that the two players have faced numerous injuries lately and are on a high salary base.
A more likely scenario, therefore, could see Rudiger and Alaba play out their contracts at Real Madrid, who are expected to go big on defensive reinforcements next summer.
As mentioned earlier, Konate is already an option while the club had also made a proposal to sign William Saliba this week, even though it was rejected by Arsenal.
GETAFE, SPAIN - APRIL 23: Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid run with the ball during the LaLiga match between Getafe CF and Real Madrid CF at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on April 23, 2025 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 11: Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid CF holds the ball during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Brahim Diaz has been courted by Benfica this summer (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)