Real Madrid has always sought to keep a talented and seasoned team since its founding.  With the futures of two important players, Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, this mentality is being put to the test once more.

 The 32-year-olds Rüdiger and Alaba both have contracts with the team till 2026.  Real Madrid made these acquisitions as part of a calculated plan to add seasoned players who could start playing at the top level right away and for free.  Few players would choose to play for any other team but Real Madrid, therefore the appeal of playing for Los Blancos is evident.  After serving as defensive mainstays for years, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, and Pepe left a huge hole that Alaba and Rüdiger helped to fill.

Rüdiger, Éder Militão (now 26), and Alaba have strengthened the defense in recent seasons.  But now that the defense line is being renewed, attention is focused on players like Miguel Asencio and 19-year-old Huijsen, who may be able to join from Bournmouth for a high price.  For the rest of the season, Asencio has already committed to a professional contract, which entitles him to bonuses based on the team’s performance.  Huijsen, meanwhile, appears to be about to make a big move.

The problem with Alaba and Rüdiger looms huge as Real Madrid attempts to center its future around these younger players.  Carlo Ancelotti, the coach, believes in striking a balance between developing young talent and bringing in experienced.  Both skill and experience are essential for the role of central defender, and the presence of Alaba and Rüdiger is crucial for the growth of players like Asencio and Huijsen.  But according to the club’s protocol, which was put in place by president Florentino Pérez, players beyond 30 must typically be reevaluated every season, raising questions about their futures.

Alaba’s condition is especially vulnerable because of his high salary—more than $10 million.  He has missed nearly two seasons of action due to a serious injury that has kept him out of action.  Rüdiger, on the other hand, hasn’t experienced the same bad luck, although he has been dealing with persistent pain in recent months.  Despite the complexity of the situation, Real Madrid has already started making decisions, indicating that Asencio and Huijsen will play a bigger role in the team’s immediate future.