There is currently no conclusion as to whether Rudiger will leave the team as a free agent next summer. The next year will be very worthy of attention regarding issues such as the signing, renewal, leaving the team and the promotion of youth training players at the central defender position.
Previously, it was reported that Real Madrid planned to break the unwritten rule of not signing a contract for more than one year with players over 30 years old and provide the German international with a longer contract extension. But as far as I know, this news is not accurate. At the same time, recent reports that he will leave in free agency next summer are not accurate.
The 32-year-old Rudiger has been unable to play normally due to two injuries and surgeries to his knee and left leg. The club failed to sign a new central defender in the 2024 summer transfer window, and Ancelotti's available candidates were limited, resulting in Rudiger having to play with injuries. Last season, when the team faced difficulties, he even postponed necessary knee surgery, persisted in playing, and made great contributions to the team.
I think Rudiger can still continue to play for the team at a high level, which is why neither the club nor the player has made a final decision yet. Some teams in the Saudi Professional League have expressed interest in Rudiger, which is indeed an attractive destination for him, but it is still only October and nothing is clear yet.