Antonio Rudiger, a mainstay on the Real Madrid defence, is expected to close off 2024 as perhaps his greatest year yet.

The German international was a key member of Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid team and helped the team win five trophies in the last 365 days.

Out of the 50 games Los Blancos have played this season, Rudiger has played in 45 of them. He has also taken the lead both on and off the field.

New contract on the horizon?

As such, MARCA reports that Real Madrid could soon initiate talks over a new contract for Antonio Rudiger, which might even involve them breaking a key policy in place. Rudiger, 31, has a contract which runs until the summer of 2026, meaning he will enter the final year of his deal next year – something that Los Blancos are looking to avoid, especially amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

At the moment, the German has no thoughts of leaving Real Madrid, but both parties must have a conversation to lay the groundwork for the future. Real Madrid’s policy in these matters is usually clear: contract extensions are negotiated when a player enters the final year of their deal and players over 30 are offered only a year-long extensions. However, in the case of Rudiger, the Spanish capital club could be prepared to break that rule and offer him a contract that will run either until 2027 or even 2028.

Given Rudiger’s contributions and importance in the team, Real Madrid is not ruling out the latter option, even if it would require a two-year extension and would go against the club’s rules.

His presence at the club is celebrated by teammates, coaches, and executives, and an extension may not be far off.