Antonio Rudiger has reached an agreement to join Real Madrid in a Bosman move this summer after leaving Chelsea as a free agent.
Real Madrid have made an official statement to confirm that they have secured the services of Antonio Rudiger on a four-year deal lasting until June 30, 2026. After leaving Chelsea as a free agent, the German international will complete a Bosman move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Antonio Rudiger is finishing a whirlwind five-year spell with Chelsea this summer. The 29-year-old joined the Blues from AS Roma in July 2017 and endured a topsy turvy ride at the west London club. That was particularly true in the last two years, as he went from a bit-part player under Frank Lampard to a mainstay at the back under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance.
Rudiger’s stock has skyrocketed in the last 18 months, with the player establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Europe. During his spell at Stamford Bridge, the German international turned out 203 times for Chelsea, chipping in with 12 goals and seven assists. But his time at Chelsea has now officially ended, with Real Madrid his next destination.
Real Madrid’s need for a centre-back has accentuated this season despite the arrival of David Alaba from Bayern Munich in a Bosman move last summer. But Carlo Ancelotti does not have much quality options beyond Alaba and first-choice central defensive partner Eder Militao.
This club will always remain special to me ? Thank you, @ChelseaFC ??? #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve pic.twitter.com/qQb1DkfecR
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) May 22, 2022
Nacho has been an asset for Real Madrid for several years, but the experienced Spaniard is a backup option at best. And the same can be said about Jesus Vallejo, who excelled when Carlo Ancelotti used him at the tail-end of this past season. Rudiger thus emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the Chelsea defender reportedly dreaming of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Spanish giants moved quickly to usurp the competition, reportedly reaching an agreement with Rudiger over a four-year contract. Real Madrid and Chelsea have now confirmed the transfer, with the German international set to complete his transfer in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid will officially unveil Rudiger as a new signing to the Santiago Bernabeu on June 20, with the 29-year-old scheduled to speak to the media after that. The departing Chelsea defender will reportedly pocket wages worth around €9 million per year, and it will be interesting to see if he retains his performance levels next season at Real Madrid.
