The UNEXPECTED midfielder Florentino Pérez is betting on for Real Madrid

There is much talk about the possible center-backs who could arrive at the Santiago Bernabéu next summer... the president is clear about it

Héctor Andreu | 2 Dec 2025 | 19.23
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Real Madrid will bet on Rudiger / Don Balon
Real Madrid will bet on Rudiger / Don Balon

La Liga
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Athletic Bilbao Real Madrid
03/12/25 19:00:00
4.50 4.00 1.73

The name of Antonio Rudiger is once again in the spotlight in the planning for the upcoming season, as Real Madrid carefully analyzes every move to strengthen their defense. The club has been studying the market for months, with profiles like Ibrahima Konaté and Dayot Upamecano being mentioned, but there is currently no conviction to pursue any of those operations, leading to a different scenario for the team's defense.

Real Madrid and the Continuity Path with Antonio Rudiger

As reported by Eduardo Inda in OKdiario, the sports management has decided to strategically shift gears due to growing doubts about market options. Real Madrid chooses to renew Antonio Rudiger rather than pursuing signings that raise more questions than certainties. The proposal for the German center-back will be on lower terms, in line with the more moderate role expected of him in the rotation, far from the nearly nine million net that he currently earns.

The club sees his continuity favorably due to his commitment, experience, and ability to lead in critical moments. Furthermore, his strong comeback from injury has bolstered the idea of keeping him as a reference during a generational transition. Neither Bayern is willing to part ways with Dayot Upamecano nor does Liverpool want to facilitate the departure of Ibrahima Konaté, tilting the balance towards an internal solution without the need for drastic movements.

Konaté and Upamecano Move Away from Real Madrid's Radar

For weeks, international press pointed to Ibrahima Konaté as one of the most valued center-backs by the technical staff, particularly for his physicality, speed, and experience in high-pressure situations. Nevertheless, sources close to the club affirm that Liverpool has been informed that they will not pursue his signing, as the operation does not fit into the sports or economic planning.

A similar situation arises with Dayot Upamecano. Despite rumors of a verbal agreement, Germany claims that Bayern is fully confident in retaining him, and the player's entourage also does not see a short-term departure as clear. Given this scenario, Real Madrid has decided to focus on what they already have: Militao will return at full strength, Huijsen and Asencio will gain minutes, and Antonio Rudiger provides immediate security.

Florentino quiere la continuidad de Rudiger

Youth Alternatives under Observation

Although the current approach favors continuity, the club does not rule out strengthening in the summer with a young center-back. Names like Marc Guéhi are still being monitored, but without urgency or ongoing negotiations. The experience from this season, with injuries that even forced Álvaro Carreras to play as a center-back, has made it clear that the squad needs defensive depth, but not at any cost.

The roadmap aims for an orderly transition to avoid past mistakes. They aim to make signings judiciously, without rushing and carefully analyzing the contractual situations and real prospects of each candidate.

A Future Still Centered on Antonio Rudiger

The outcome points to a rather defined direction. While the market clarifies and long-term objectives mature, Real Madrid wants Antonio Rudiger to continue leading the defense for at least another season, with a adjusted salary and a role adapted to the team's needs. The German is comfortable in the club, and unless there is a surprise, he will accept a more moderate renewal if it ensures he continues competing at the highest level.

It is not a definitive decision, but rather the current plan. The organization does not want to invest time or money in complex operations for Ibrahima Konaté or Dayot Upamecano, choosing instead to secure the continuity of a reliable and fully adapted player. The upcoming season will mark the beginning of a defensive transition, with all signs pointing to Antonio Rudiger as the reference point.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El INESPERADO central por el que apuesta Florentino Pérez para el Real Madrid