Three Premier League clubs line up summer move for Real Madrid defender
Real Madrid will be busy this summer, and one possible move that currently looks on the cards is Antonio Rudiger’s exit. The veteran defender is in the final five months of his contract, and although he remains an important figure in the dressing room, there is no guarantee that he is offered a new deal.
Rudiger, who joined Real Madrid in 2022 from Chelsea, has been a fine servant over the last four years, but in the last 12 months, injury problems have limited his minutes. If he cannot stay fit between now and the end of the season, there is a high chance that club bosses decide to move him on, especially given there are plans for two centre-backs to be signed in the summer.
If Rudiger does leave Real Madrid, a return to the Premier League is a possibility. Tottenham Hotspur are keen, and it has now been reported by CaughtOffside that West Ham United and Crystal Palace have held initial talks with the Germany international’s representatives.
Image via Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Presently, Real Madrid have Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, David Alaba and the injured Eder Militao as natural centre-back options. Alaba will be leaving at the end of the season, and with Rudiger turning 33 next month, it would be no surprise to see him move on in order for a younger player to replace him.
Rudiger dilemma is a big one for Real Madrid
Rudiger was one of the best centre-backs in the world only 18 months ago, but since his body has started failing him, his performance levels have understandably dropped. It would make sense to retain him as a squad option, similar to the role that Alaba has now, given he would be able to continue providing valuable experience. However, club bosses may not see things that way.
Girona vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news
Barcelona and Girona go head-to-head in La Liga action on Monday night.
Barcelona aim to bounce back from their heaviest defeat of the season and reclaim top spot, while Girona are desperate for points in their battle against relegation.
Girona vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news
- Date: Monday, 16th February.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadi Municipal de Montilivi, Girona.
Girona team news
Girona will be without goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is on loan from Barcelona but sustained a hamstring injury in his second appearance for the club. Paulo Gazzaniga will start in goal.
Additional injury concerns include Juan Carlos and Portu (both knee injuries), Donny van de Beek (Achilles tendon), Alex Moreno (muscle), and Ricard Artero (ankle).
On a positive note, Atletico Madrid loanee Thomas Lemar has finally found the back of the net recently, scoring Girona’s goal in the 1-1 draw against Sevilla.
Barcelona team news
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick provided an injury update ahead of Monday’s clash, confirming that Marcus Rashford remains unavailable due to a knee problem. The Manchester United loanee has been improving but the club are taking a cautious approach with his recovery.
However, there is positive news as Raphinha has returned to training and is fit to play after missing the previous three matches with an adductor injury.
Long-term absentees include Gavi (knee surgery in September 2025), who is expected to return by March, and Pedri (hamstring), who faces another two weeks on the sidelines.
Andreas Christensen is also out with an ACL injury sustained during training earlier this year.
Form
Girona
Girona spent much of the first half of the season in the relegation zone but recent results have helped Michel’s side climb to 15th place in La Liga with 26 points. However, they remain just two points above the relegation zone.
Their recent form has dipped, securing only two points from their last three matches, including the 1-1 draw against Sevilla. Thomas Lemar’s early strike was cancelled out by Kike Salas in stoppage time.
Barcelona
Barcelona’s season has been largely impressive under Hansi Flick, but they suffered a devastating blow in midweek with a 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg.
Despite this setback, Barcelona’s La Liga form before the cup defeat was excellent. They secured a 4-1 win against Copenhagen in the Champions League, followed by victories over Elche (3-1) and Mallorca (3-0). Barcelona currently sit second in La Liga with 58 points from 23 games, just two points behind Real Madrid,who have played one game more
Predicted lineups
Girona: Gazzaniga; Rincon, Reis, Blind, Martinez; Beltran, Martin; Tsygankov, Lemar, Gil; Vanat
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; E Garcia, De Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Fermin; Lewandowski
How to watch Girona vs Barcelona?
UK Fans can watch the match on Disney+.
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Top of The Tree | 16 February 2026
Arbeloa’s men reach the top of the table. In a season where Real Madrid continue to flatter to deceive, Los Blancos have finished the weekend at the to of the league. This makes it an actual title race though many would be hard pressed to declare this team has the stomach for the fight.
Winning always feels good but this season it brings just as many questions as losses generally do. We won without Vini and Jude. We won without Kylian and Jude.
Vini and Gonzalo have a far better balance than Kylian and Gonzalo given that Vini and Gonzalo naturally give each other space to operate. Kylian tends to take up too much space and not to mention, it forces Gonzalo into a creator instead of a CF.
This doesn’t say anything about the quality of the players themselves. Only a fool would question their quality. What it does bring us are questions about balance when everyone is fit.
Fede and Trent Concoction
Fede and Trent seems the ultimate solution on the right sid. I am one who genuinely doesn’t rate Fede’s technical ability higher than his peers in the squad in midfield and yet, the superb balance he brings when paired with Trent makes his inclusion in midfield irresistible.
This leaves room for Jude and then.. The abstract art begins.
Fumbling Out the Wet Paper Bag
The CB pairs bring more questions than answers and while the midfield faucet is generally to blame, there’s very little one can take in the way of confidence regarding the defence. It isn’t obvious that this is due to a lack of quality. There’s more than enough talent in the squad. It may well be a lack of consistency due to injuries and recurring absences. Continuity in the back 4 will likely yield the kind of consistency to mount a title challenge.
Arbeloa’s Impending Blessing/Curse
Once all the starters are healthy Arbeloa will have to start games in the fashion of outright sabotage in the sense that he cannot sacrifice for balance. He will have to lump them in and hope. This reality is one that makes me wonder if he’s relieved that he’s had Vini, Jude and Kylian absent for some recent games. Fewer decisions about the balance of the team.
The Kids Are Alright
Cestero and Jimenez are in the right place at the right time this season. Both have shown to be capable players and have the trust of the manager who has worked with them at youth level. Unfortunately for them the club has overinvested in duplicated roles and the profiles of the players means it is highly unlikely that any will be offloaded this summer. At this point it looks like squad planning is based on injury concerns and not the desire to build a balanced squad. It also seems there’s an obsession with versatility which while fantastic in low percentage historically significant events simultaneously stiles continuity, creating a boom-bust cycle, if you will.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Arda Guler leaves in the summer to be replaced by Nico Paz . The midfield trio will be? Jude, Fede, Tchou? We have to squeeze Nico in. Who goes to the bench? If Trent is starting it cannot be Fede. Jude is the Vini of our midfield. He’s not getting benched. So Tchou for Nico Paz or better yet, 4 in midfield. That way only Camavinga gets benched. Does this really solve problems or raise new ones? Limited width, balancing defence and duplication of features in midfield .
