MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 22:38:52| >> :60:2043:2043:

Real Madrid transfer news: Key man considered 'untouchable' amid Saudi interest

Not for sale: Real Madrid 'consider' key man untouchable amid exit talk
© Imago
Real Madrid will not consider selling Antonio Rudiger during this summer's transfer window under any circumstances, according to a report.

Real Madrid will allegedly not consider selling central defender Antonio Rudiger during this summer's transfer window under any circumstances.

The Germany international is believed to be the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, with recent reports claiming that Al-Ittihad are willing to pay the 31-year-old a huge salary to move to the division.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are not willing to consider a sale, while Rudiger is also not interested in leaving the capital giants at this stage of his career.

"Despite reports on huge proposal from Al Ittihad, Toni Rudiger is not even considering to leave Real Madrid this summer," Romano posted on X.

"Full focus on Real Madrid project, no plans to join Saudi Pro League now despite interest. Feeling mutual as Real consider Rudiger untouchable."

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger kisses the trophy during the presentation as he celebrates after winning the Champions League on June 1, 2024© Reuters

Rudiger 'set' to stay amid Saudi talk

Rudiger made the move to Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, and he has represented the capital outfit on 101 occasions in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering three assists in the process.

The centre-back has already won six trophies during his time at Bernabeu, including a La Liga and Champions League double during the 2023-24 campaign.

Rudiger has been a vital player for Real Madrid during his two seasons at the club, making 53 appearances in all competitions in 2022-23 before featuring on 48 occasions last term.

Long-term knee injuries for Eder Militao and David Alaba made Rudiger an even more important figure for Los Blancos last season, and he is again set to be a starter in the coming campaign.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti during the press conference on May 7, 2024© Reuters

Will Real Madrid sign a centre-back this summer?

Nacho's departure on a free transfer at the end of June has left Real Madrid a player down at the back.

Los Blancos had been heavily linked with 18-year-old Leny Yoro, but the centre-back completed a move to Manchester United from Lille.

Alaba may not be available for selection until the start of 2025, which would leave Militao and Rudiger as Real Madrid's only senior options in the middle of their defence, with Jesus Vallejo unlikely to receive too much action in the coming campaign.

As a result, it would be a surprise if Real Madrid did not sign a centre-back before the transfer window closes, with Al-Nassr's Aymeric Laporte said to be a target.

Laporte's asking price could be a problem, though, as Al-Nassr will allegedly not let him leave the club unless they receive an offer in the region of €27m (£22.7m).

ID:548944:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4850:

Click here for more stories about Leny Yoro

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on January 3, 2024
Read Next:
Done deal? Real Madrid 'to beat' Man United, Liverpool to wonderkid signing
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!