Real Madrid 'pushes out' veteran star following clash with Bellingham

A Real Madrid player involved in an altercation with Jude Bellingham at training is expected to depart Bernabeu in the upcoming summer transfer period.

Last summer, Real Madrid signed four new players, with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold being the most notable addition.

However, the Royal Club is not done yet, as multiple sources indicate they have already started planning for next summer's transfer window. Besides scouting new talents, coach Xabi Alonso is reportedly ready to part ways with a star involved in a controversial confrontation with Jude Bellingham during training.

According to the BILD, Real Madrid has decided not to renew Antonio Rudiger’s contract, which expires at the end of this season.

The German defender has been a key player for Los Blancos over the past three years, making 157 appearances since joining Chelsea on a free transfer. Nevertheless, Rudiger’s form this season has fallen short of expectations. Some reports suggest coach Alonso is not fully satisfied with the performance of the 1993-born star.

With Rudiger turning 33 next year and earning around £12 million annually, Real Madrid’s management is cautious about offering a new deal.

One person who probably wouldn’t mind Rudiger’s departure is Jude Bellingham.

Before last season’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal at Santiago Bernabeu, the two players reportedly had a dispute following a tough tackle by Rudiger during training.

However, when asked about the incident after the match, Bellingham tactfully defused the situation and said: “This is football; emotions flaring on the pitch are completely normal.

You might speak more loudly with teammates than you would with your parents. And for every negative clash, there are 20 positive moments that go unnoticed.”

As for Real Madrid, the club is reportedly planning to sign another top-class center-back, with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate considered the prime target.

If this deal goes through, Konate will be the latest addition to the already strong defense of the 15-time Champions League winners, following the arrivals of Alexander-Arnold, young center-back Dean Huijsen, and left-back Alvaro Carreras last summer.

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