Real Madrid decides the fate of Alaba and Rudiger

Spanish newspaper AS revealed that Real Madrid has decided not to renew the contracts of Austrian defender David Alaba and German defender Antonio Rüdiger, whose contracts expire at the end of the current season, meaning they will leave the Santiago Bernabéu for free. According to the report, the club's management has made a decision regarding the future of the defense, as they are moving towards renewing the team and relying on young players under the leadership of coach-to-be Xabi Alonso, who will lead a new project within the club. The newspaper indicated that Real Madrid is very satisfied with the recovery of Brazilian defender Eder Militao from his injury and his return to top form, as he is expected to form a new defensive duo with young Dutchman Den Huysen next season. This decision reflects a strategic shift in the team's policy, especially after Alaba's repeated injuries and Rüdiger's important role, which has begun to decline in light of upcoming tactical shifts. The newspaper confirmed that Real Madrid's management has already begun implementing the renewal policy, as evidenced by the departures of both Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez this summer, while work continues to rebuild the team's back line. In a related development, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as one of the club's top defensive targets for the summer of 2026, while Arsenal rejected a previous offer from the royal club for French defender William Saliba.