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Ronaldo Fuels Al-Nassr Pursuit of Real Madrid Defender Antonio Rudiger
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A perhaps seismic shift is brewing in the Saudi Pro League as Cristiano ronaldo reportedly spearheads efforts to bring Antonio Rudiger to Al-Nassr. The German defender’s contract with Real Madrid is set to expire in the summer of 2026, opening the door for a lucrative move to the Middle East.
With less than six months remaining on his current deal, Rudiger is now free to negotiate with clubs outside of Spain, and Al-Nassr appears poised to make a critically important play for his signature, according to Fichajes.
Real Madrid Contract Situation
Negotiations for a contract extension with Real Madrid are reportedly “not progressing,” creating an increasingly difficult situation for the Spanish giants. Sources suggest that the “most likely scenario” is Rudiger’s departure at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. Real Madrid are undergoing a “defensive transition process,” prioritizing “medium to long-term” additions over retaining players over the age of 30 – a category Rudiger will enter in March.
“Real are not willing to compromise future planning with long contracts or conditions outside their roadmap,” a source close to the club stated. This stance has seemingly opened the door for Al-Nassr to emerge as a frontrunner.
Al-Nassr’s Ambitious Offer
Al-Nassr, already boasting a star-studded lineup including Ronaldo, João Félix, and Sadio Mané, is looking to strengthen its back line. The club is preparing “an economically powerful offer” – one that European clubs may struggle to match – featuring a “high-level salary contract and a central role within the sporting project” in Riyadh.
The potential move represents “another impactful move by Saudi football, adding a top-level defender to one of the most ambitious projects” in the league.
Ronaldo’s Influence and Direct Recommendation
the driving force behind Al-Nassr’s interest appears to be Ronaldo himself. according to sources close to the Saudi outfit, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner “has recommended Rudiger’s signing,” believing the German international would provide an “immediate quality boost.”
ronaldo “holds significant influence within Al-Nassr’s sporting project,not just on the field but also in strategic decision-making,” with several transfer calls already made on his advice. The 40-year-old is reportedly determined to surround himself with proven winners.
Rudiger Weighing His Options
While a formal proposal from Al-Nassr has been readied,Rudiger has yet to make a final decision. He remains focused on Real Madrid’s pursuit of domestic and continental titles. However, the offer from Saudi Arabia is considered “real, ambitious, and economically very attractive.”
An extended stay at the Bernabéu, potentially on rolling 12-month terms, remains a possibility, but Rudiger and the club are both exploring other avenues. Al-Nassr, with Ronaldo as
