Antonio Rudiger Linked With Chelsea Return Amid Real Madrid Uncertainty and Saudi Arabia Transfer Plans

‎Antonio Rudiger could be heading for a return to Chelsea, with the Real Madrid defender assessing his next career move amid growing uncertainty over his future in Spain. The German international is approaching the final phase of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, which runs until the end of the 2025–26 season, and no agreement has yet been reached on an extension.

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Antonio Rudiger faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid, with Chelsea, PSG, Galatasaray, and Saudi clubs monitoring the defender ahead of next summer.

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‎Speculation surrounding Rudiger’s future has intensified as he has been linked with a possible exit next summer. Alongside interest from the Premier League, the experienced centre-back has also been mentioned as a potential target for clubs in Saudi Arabia, where a move could see him reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo.

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‎Reports from Marca in November revealed that Real Madrid and Rudiger had initiated early discussions over a contract renewal. These talks reportedly included financial proposals and were underpinned by a shared intention to continue the partnership. However, negotiations have since been put on hold.

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‎The pause in discussions followed a muscle injury Rudiger suffered in late September. Both parties agreed to delay further talks, believing it was not the right moment to finalise contractual details while the defender focused on his recovery and return to full fitness.

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‎A return to Chelsea has now emerged as a realistic possibility. Rudiger spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge before leaving for Madrid in 2022, collecting several honours during his time in London, including the Champions League. According to Diario AS, Chelsea are considering a move to bring the defender back next summer.

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‎Interest is not limited to the Premier League. Paris Saint-Germain, the reigning Champions League holders, are also reportedly monitoring Rudiger’s situation, while Turkish side Galatasaray are keeping a close watch on developments at Real Madrid.

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‎Beyond Europe, Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are planning potential moves for Rudiger. Both clubs are said to be keen on strengthening their defensive options and are exploring the possibility of bringing the German defender to the Middle East.

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‎Rudiger’s standing at Real Madrid has also been questioned. BILD reported in October that head coach Xabi Alonso is not fully convinced by the defender, citing concerns over injuries and inconsistency in recent seasons. The arrival of Dean Huijsen has further complicated matters, with the young defender securing a regular place in the starting lineup.

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‎Since the beginning of the 2025–26 campaign, Huijsen’s partnership with Eder Militao has provided stability in Madrid’s defence, despite Militao recently suffering another muscular setback. This development has reduced Rudiger’s role within the squad.

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‎Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rudiger, AS reports that Real Madrid are no longer pursuing moves for two other defensive targets, Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano. Both players are approaching the final six months of their respective contracts, but Madrid are not expected to proceed with either signing.

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‎Earlier reports suggested that Real Madrid had already withdrawn interest in Konate following a dip in form. Although Konate and Upamecano could still leave their current clubs next summer, a move to the Bernabeu now appears unlikely.

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‎Real Madrid are set to resume competitive action after the winter break on January 4, when they host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu in a La Liga fixture.