Surprise at Bernabéu, he might return home, Antonio Rüdiger is considering it

Antonio Rüdiger's future is, right now, one of the hottest topics in Real Madrid's current affairs. Even though he hasn't played since last April, the German is still considered a key piece within the white team's structure. His leadership, his hunger in duels, and his personality have made a deep impact in the locker room and among the Bernabéu crowd.

However, the German's contract ends this season and the club's policy with veterans is clear. Florentino Pérez, for a long time now, only renews players over 30 year by year, assessing performance and physical condition before taking any step. Antonio Rüdiger's case is no exception: as of today, he's more out than in at Real Madrid.

So far, there still haven't been any firm moves to extend Antonio Rüdiger's contract, and from the Bernabéu's executive offices, they're not exactly conveying any urgency to do so. With the consolidation of players like Militao, Huijsen, and Asencio, Madrid's defensive structure is starting to take shape without needing to count on the veteran German center-back.

Antonio Rüdiger is ready to leave Real Madrid

Florentino Pérez's idea is simple from both an economic and sporting perspective. If Antonio Rüdiger's performance when he returns doesn't reach an acceptable level, the priority will be for him to leave to make room for another top-level center-back. The market offers opportunities like Upamecano, Konaté, or even Konaté, and Real Madrid doesn't want to miss the chance to rejuvenate the back line.

In this scenario, with Florentino Pérez planning the future without Antonio Rüdiger, the German already knows he'll have to find a new team to keep playing. Saudi Arabia has been knocking on his door for some time with massive offers from an economic standpoint. However, Rüdiger believes he still has what it takes to keep playing at the highest level, he could do so if he decides to return to Chelsea, which was his home before Bernabéu.

Chelsea want Antonio Rüdiger back

Chelsea, the club he left to sign for Real Madrid, want to have him back for next season. At Stamford Bridge, they believe they need an immediate leader in defense, someone who knows the Premier League and brings character from day one. Antonio Rüdiger is the best candidate.

For Rüdiger, Chelsea's offer is special for many reasons. In London, he lived some of the best years of his career, became a fan favorite, and lifted the Champions League as one of the team's pillars. Returning would mean showing he's still ready to compete at the highest level and not closing the chapter on his elite career.

Now the German defender faces a very clear crossroads. On one hand, he has the possibility of going to Saudi Arabia, saying goodbye to top competition and securing his financial future. On the other, the door is open to return to Chelsea and stay at the top, facing the world's best forwards every week.