Overview

• Veteran centre-backs David Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger face likely exits after the club decided not to open renewal talks on their contracts through June 2026
• Alaba’s €10.5 million annual salary and recent injury setbacks have left him surplus to requirements with no buyers expressing interest
• Rüdiger, lauded for playing through pain last season, is expected to see out his deal before departing next summer amid age and fitness concerns
• The defence has been refreshed with the signing of 20-year-old Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and the promotion of 22-year-old academy graduate Marvel
• A potential free transfer for Ibrahima Konaté remains under consideration to provide long-term cover and address persistent defensive absences