Real Madrid defender considering offers from Saudi Arabia | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger has been at the centre of Real Madrid’s defensive plans for close to two years now and his importance in the team has grown exponentially.

After arriving from Chelsea on a free transfer, the German defender saw a relatively fringe role in his opening season at the club.

Since then, injuries to Eder Militao and David Alaba have kept him constantly in the fray and he has now established himself as the manager’s most trusted option at the back.

Despite his prominence on the field and in the dressing room, however, SPORT relay that Rudiger’s continuity is anything but a given.

Enroute Saudi?

As relayed by the outlet, there is growing pressure from Saudi Arabia for Rudiger to leave Real Madrid and push for a move in the summer.

Saudi Arabia wants to lure Antonio Rudiger. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Unsurprisingly, they promise him a larger salary than he earns in Spain to lure him away.

Rudiger is satisfied and happy to stay at Real Madrid and is not blinded by the economic offer. The reason he is considering this is purely a sporting one.

Now 32, Rudiger is moving closer to the twilight of his career and wishes to be regularly involved at whichever club he plays. That, however, is anything but certain for next season at Real Madrid.

With Militao and Alaba likely to be fit again, Raul Asencio establishing himself as an able option and the club likely to sign a new centre-back, the competition next season will be ruthless. A move to Arabia may thus work out well for him.

Rudiger missed Real Madrid’s weekend clash against Rayo Vallecano after contracting flu and will be available tomorrow night to take on Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.