As things stand, Real Madrid only have two senior centre-backs available for the start of next season. Nacho Fernandez (Al-Qadsiah) and Rafa Marin (Napoli) have left the club, while David Alaba’s ACL injury is expected to keep him out of action until October at the earliest. Because of this, the last thing they need is to lose another.
That is a (slim) possibility, as Sky Sport (via MD) have reported that Al-Nassr and Al Hilal are “very interested” in a summer move for Antonio Rudiger. The two Saudi heavyweights consider the German stalwart to be the ideal player to lead their respective defences.
Rudiger is off the back of a fantastic 12 months at Real Madrid, and he played an inspired role in their La Liga and Champions League double. Understandably, club bosses are delighted with Rudiger, and as the report states, they have no intention of entertaining any offers for his services.
Equally, Rudiger has no plans to leave Real Madrid any time soon, so any advances from Al-Nassr or Al Hilal would be turned down emphatically.
Turned down for real!