Real Madrid decide Antonio Rudiger & David Alaba futures as defensive overhaul beckons | OneFootball

Real Madrid are tipped to begin a defensive overhaul as the club looks to refresh things at the back to counter the negative impact injuries have had in recent seasons.

Antonio Rudiger has been the only defensive constant since his 2022 arrival at the Bernabeu. David Alaba missed more than a year with an ACL injury and has struggled with minor setbacks since his return, while Eder Militao has suffered two ACL tears in the space of two seasons.

Madrid haven't recruited a centre-back since Rudiger joined and haven't paid a transfer fee for one since Militao was recruited in 2019. Midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been forced to fill in, with Raul Asencio helping to cover this season's shortfall after being fast-tracked from the B squad.

Full-back has also been an issue, with Eduardo Camavinga occasionally required to play on the left and veteran converted winger Lucas Vazquez still the primary back-up to Dani Carvajal. Trent Alexander-Arnold's expected arrival will only party resolve things, with Carvajal 34 at his next birthday.

Real Madrid last paid for a centre-back when Eder Militao joined / Denis Doyle/GettyImages

SPORT writes that planning, although complicated by the FIFA Club World Cup taking place this summer, is already happening for next season. For that reason, some ideas will be made "clear" as soon as possible to allow efficient execution when the busy summer hits.

The report suggests that the defensive refresh will begin with Alaba. The Austrian will celebrate his 33rd birthday in June and has slipped out of favour since returning to the lineup in February. His contract, signed when he arrived as a free agent from Bayern Munich in 2021, is up next year.

Rudiger is at least expected to stay longer. His contract also ends in 2026, but Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg has revealed willingness from Madrid to extend his deal, possibly until 2028. The player has interest from the Saudi Pro League but is "happy and comfortable" where he is.