Real Madrid transfer news: Saudi Arabia emerges as 'possible destination' for defender

A Real Madrid defender may reportedly make the switch to the Saudi Pro League during the next summer transfer window.

With four signings having been made in recent months, Xabi Alonso has been able to stamp his own mark on his newly-acquired Los Blancos squad.

In turn, his team have responded with three successive victories at the start of the new La Liga campaign, leading to the Spaniard securing the division's Manager of the Month award.

However, despite the average age of the senior ranks having recently been lowered, club officials would prefer it to continue on a downward trajectory.

According to Fichajes, that could lead to Antonio Rudiger departing the Bernabeu at the end of the season.

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Why could Rudiger leave Real Madrid?

The report suggests that clubs from Saudi Arabia are ready to take advantage of the Germany international having less than a year remaining on his contract.

As it stands, there is no guarantee that Real chiefs will be willing to hand the 32-year-old an extension to his existing terms.

That stance would come at a time when Dean Huijsen has been signed from Bournemouth, the 20-year-old viewed as a long-term occupant of one of the central-defensive roles.

While Rudiger played 90 minutes in a 3-0 victory at Real Oviedo on the second weekend of the campaign, he was an unused substitute for the following game.

Eder Militao got the nod on that occasion, while David Alaba and Raul Asencio are also options for Alonso.

Rudiger is allegedly open to taking on a new challenge at the end of the season, and he could keep his options open while he presumably represents Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

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Would Rudiger exit make sense?

With 157 appearances and eight pieces of silverware to his name since 2022, Rudiger has been a success at Real Madrid.

At the same time, he will turn 33 years of age in March, with fellow veteran Alaba becoming 34 in June.

As such, it makes sense for Real Madrid officials to further freshen up the backline next summer, while also reducing their wage bill given the money that Rudiger will be on at the Spanish giants.

Real also signed Rudiger on a free transfer from Chelsea, therefore will not be losing out with regards to the regulations.