Antonio Rudiger ’s agent is said to have “called” Real Madrid over a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season, according to reports. The Chelsea defender is set to become a free agent in the summer, with his contract at Stamford Bridge expiring.
The 29-year-old has been a key figure under Thomas Tuchel since he arrived at the club, playing as one of three centre-backs in the German’s system of choice. The formation allows for him to be aggressive in the press, often defending on the front foot.
The manager said back in January that he trusts the club and the defender to reach a new agreement. Tuchel said: “It's in good hands because I trust the club 100% and have trust in my player, so it's a no problem situation for me. He's a guy who needs to trust you, he needs to feel the connection, he needs to feel the trust and he wants to feel it by minutes and actions.”
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However, the situation has drastically changed since then. The Blues were rocked by sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich, which means they are currently operating under a special Government licence which means they cannot offer contracts to any players.
That’s a blow to the side given that, according to The Athletic, the Germany international is hoping to make a decision on his future by the end of the month. That may come slightly too soon for Tuchel, as the takeover is still in the process of being completed.
A number of clubs have been linked with a move for Rudiger and Marca reports that Real Madrid are an option that could be back on after they put the operation on hold due to his high wage demands. The report claims that since then, the defender’s agent has rang up Los Blancos to discuss the possibility of a move once again.
It would be a tough one for Chelsea to take, especially with another centre-back in Andreas Christensen seemingly leaving once his contract expires too. It may mean that the summer transfer window is a busy one for the Blues and one focused on bringing a couple of defenders through the door.
