Rudiger ‘agrees contract’ with club after Tuchel confirms departure
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger will join Real Madrid at the end of the season, according to reports.
The German international joined the Blues from AS Roma for a reported £31.5m fee in 2017.
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He has particularly impressed at Stamford Bridge since Thomas Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard during the 2020/21 campaign.
Rudiger helped Chelsea lift the Champions League last term under the German head coach.
The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and – despite efforts from the Blues – will leave on a free transfer this summer.
Speaking after Chelsea’s 1-0 win against West Ham on Sunday, Tuchel revealed that the sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich thwarted the club’s efforts to renew their defender’s contract.
He said: “Toni, the situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.
“We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions. Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.”
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have all been linked with Rudiger, however, a move to the Spanish capital is looking very likely.
Multiple reports say the German centre-half has agreed to join Real Madrid, with Fabrizio Romano claiming a deal is all but done.
Real Madrid have reached verbal agreement with Antonio Rüdiger. Contract not signed yet – but Real Madrid are now closing on Rüdiger deal on a free: here we go soon! ⚪️🤝 #RealMadrid
It’s gonna be a long-term deal. Final details to be discussed soon, before signing the contract. pic.twitter.com/Jn0uvP0UQa
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 25, 2022
The Italian journalist wrote on Twitter: “The agreement between Toni Rüdiger and Real Madrid has been reached on a four year deal, valid until June 2026.
“It’s [a] matter of final details before signing the contracts. No official announcement before the end of the season, even if Toni will sign in May.”
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail have reported that Real Madrid’s contract ‘surpassed’ Chelsea’s £230,000-per-week offer.
They say that Rudiger ‘turned down bigger offers elsewhere in Europe’ in favour of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid have been courting the defender all season with a deal appearing dead in the water, however, the sanctions placed on Abramovich appeared to revive their interest.
