Spanish news outlet AS reports that Chelsea are interested in re-signing former defender Antonio Rudiger from Real Madrid. The 32-year-old German player is in the last six months of his contract with the Santiago Bernabeu. He could be available for a free transfer next summer.
Rudiger joined Chelsea from Roma in 2017 and was a key player for the team for five years. He won the FA Cup, the Europa League, and the Champions League before leaving for Madrid in 2022.
The German defender has had a frustrating season at Real Madrid because his hamstring problems have kept him from playing as much as he would have liked. Rudiger had to have surgery for his injury, but he returned to play in December and has since started six games in La Liga and the Champions League.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have to compete with a number of other big clubs for Rudiger’s signature. These include Paris Saint-Germain, Galatasaray, and Saudi Pro League teams Al Nassr and Al Hilal. The Spanish report also says that Rudiger is willing to consider offers, and that one of his best options when he leaves Madrid is to return to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have a lot of depth at center-back. Enzo Maresca can use Levi Colwill, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, and even Axel Disasi in that spot.
If Rudiger comes back, Maresca will have a tough choice to make because he has won major trophies at the highest level. The defender won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021. Since then, he has won La Liga and another European title with Madrid. His ability to lead and his physical presence could help a young defense that is still learning to handle high-pressure situations.
The Blues are interested in Rudiger at a time when reports say he is considering big offers from Saudi Arabia, where he could sign a big final contract of his career. But the emotional pull of returning to west London, along with the chance to play in the Premier League and the Champions League, could affect how he makes his choice.
Chelsea’s “Youth First” strategy makes it unlikely that Rudiger will move.
Chelsea’s reported interest in Antonio Rudiger has made headlines. Still, a possible move would be a big change from the club’s usual approach to transfers under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Chelsea have spent about £1.66 billion on permanent signings since taking over in 2022. Most of that money has gone to players who are 23 years old or younger. The plan is to build a team that can keep winning for the next ten years by signing young players to long-term contracts.
The financial side of this plan also makes it difficult to pursue a 32-year-old defender. Chelsea has been able to stay within the rules on spending by using amortization, which means spreading transfer fees over long contracts.
Signing Rudiger, regardless of his quality, would show that the team’s recruitment strategy is inconsistent. The German’s emotional return to Stamford Bridge seems more like a sentimental gesture than a serious offer, unless the ownership changes its mind.
