Real Madrid is experiencing a period of quiet transition. The titles and good play hide a reality: the locker room is preparing for a deep renewal. Two historic names in defense have their days numbered.
David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger, two pillars of the Ancelotti era, will leave the club at the end of the season. The decision has already been made. Xabi Alonso, set to lead the future project, doesn't count on them.
The beginning of the end
The summer transfer window made it clear that Madrid wanted to strengthen every line. New faces arrived, but there weren't any major departures. Now, the plan is different.
Sources close to the club confirm that Alaba and Rüdiger's time at Bernabéu is coming to an end. It's not a sudden change, but a consequence of several factors.
Alaba arrived in 2021 as a leader and was key in the 2022 Champions League, but injuries have slowed his physical condition. Last season, he played only 9 hrs. 59 min. (599 minutes), a devastating statistic. In addition, his high salary and lack of consistency make him a top-level luxury the club can no longer afford.
The farewell of the German wall
Rüdiger's case is different; the German has been one of the most reliable defenders in recent years. His intensity, leadership, and ability to win duels made him untouchable.
Last season, he played more than 75 hrs. (4,500 minutes), but age is unforgiving. At 32 and with a contract that expires, Madrid doesn't plan to renew him. It's not a punishment; it's a strategy.
The recovery of Éder Militao and the emergence of Dean Huijsen have changed the outlook. Added to this is the club's intention to sign a young, top-level center-back, such as Ibrahima Konaté. The message is clear: the defense of the future will be faster and more physical.
Heading to Saudi Arabia
Their destination seems far from Europe; Saudi Arabia, with its multimillion-dollar offers, is the most likely option. There, they could sign their last major contract before retiring.
Saudi soccer has already shown that it doesn't hesitate to sign established stars. Both Alaba and Rüdiger fit perfectly into that profile.
A Madrid under reconstruction
The white defense is changing its skin; Huijsen's arrival has been a bold bet that has paid off. At 19, he already competes like a veteran. The club wants to build a solid block that will last for years; that means making tough decisions, even if they affect beloved players.
Alaba and Rüdiger have given everything for the badge, but soccer doesn't stop. Bernabéu will bid them farewell as champions, even if the story continues without them.