A coach in a suit appears in the foreground while the Real Madrid soccer team poses for a group photo in the stadium filled with fans.
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Xabi Alonso gives the OK, the center-back who will lead Madrid's defense in the coming years

They are certain; he is the leader of the defense, and they are going to fight to secure his future

Xabi Alonso has arrived at Real Madrid with several important decisions he needs to address. Some are related to signings, where he has already shared his opinions on the matter. Others have to do with possible departures that could take place this summer.

One of them has been confirmed as not happening, since he trusts Rüdiger to stay at Real Madrid. We are referring to Antonio Rüdiger, who has had the door closed to a move this summer. He has a contract until 2026 and his sale is not a matter currently on the table.

Two players compete for the ball in a match, one in a white uniform and the other in a blue and red uniform.
Rüdiger fighting for a ball with Ferran Torres | Real Madrid Confidencial

In fact, the plans are to try to renew his contract as soon as possible. They would do so by skipping an unwritten rule at Real Madrid regarding players over 30 years old. They usually offer them one more season, but with Rüdiger, they could be looking to sign him for 2 more years.

The club trusts Rüdiger and the level he has been showing in recent seasons. In addition, they believe the operation he underwent will help him recover his best physical condition. Xabi Alonso has given the green light for him to remain the leader of the defense.

Real Madrid's plans to strengthen the defense in the future

Real Madrid has already confirmed the signing of a center-back like Dean Huijsen for this summer. He is a young player, with a lot of potential and future, but who has already performed at the highest competitive level. Everything seems to indicate that the Spanish international is coming to take Alaba's place.

Player wearing a Real Madrid uniform smiling while posing at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Dean Huijsen wearing Real Madrid's jersey with Bernabéu in the background | Real Madrid Confidencial

The Austrian's future is uncertain, although his contract currently runs until 2026. He will not continue beyond that date, so they have acted in advance to secure his replacement. They are also thinking about who could take Rüdiger's place, as he is already a veteran.

Konaté's contract with Liverpool ends in 2026 and Saliba's with Arsenal in 2027. These are the two names that Real Madrid currently likes the most and are considering in their strategy. If they become free agents or their signing can be achieved at an affordable price, they will be the chosen ones.

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