Real Madrid star’s Saudi links clarified

The recent speculation linking Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger with a move to the Middle East has on Saturday been clarified.

For those who may have missed it, the last week has seen defender Rüdiger become the latest high-profile European player tipped to take his talents to the Saudi Pro League in the near future.

The German international remains an absolutely pivotal member of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid backline, but has been rumoured as seeking out one final payday with a view to winding down his career over the years ahead.

As much would be very much on offer to Rüdiger in Saudi Arabia, where a number of leading clubs are understood to have the former Chelsea man on their radars.

If the latest word to have surfaced in the media on Saturday is anything to go by, however, then those of a Real persuasion, for the time being at least, need not fret.

As per a report from German transfer insider Florian Plettenberg:

‘Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger is currently not considering a move to Saudi Arabia, especially not in winter.’

In fact, the 31-year-old is even said to be open to the possibility of extending his contract beyond its current close in the summer of 2026.

Conor Laird – GSFN