January’s Most Wanted: Rudiger to Real Madrid, PSG or Chelsea extension?
Cameron Smith
- 3 Jan 2022 15:45 GMT
- 4 min read
Antonio Rudiger has become one of Chelsea's most important players under Thomas Tuchel, and one of the most feared central defenders in world football.
Frozen out by Frank Lampard, he's been reinstated by the German head coach, and is thriving in a left-sided centre-back role in Tuchel's preferred 3-4-3 system.
With license to leave the defensive line, Rudiger's aggressive style has given Chelsea a number of different ways to defend, but despite being a regular under Tuchel, the Germany international seems set to leave the club.
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He has been handed a starring role at Stamford Bridge, and despite his passion for the club, it doesn't look likely to be enough.
What is Rudiger's transfer status?
Chelsea have offered Rudiger a new deal, but he feels he's worth far more than they're prepared to give him right now, in terms of wages, and that's the major sticking point.
He, perhaps fairly, believes as one of the Blues' most important players, he deserves to be paid accordingly.
Chelsea aren't prepared to match his demands of £10 million per year, and hence he is set to leave the club.
His status at the moment is one of uncertainty, although unless things change, his future won't be at the current reigning European champions.
When does Rudiger's contract expire?
Rudiger's current deal expires in June 2022, so he'll be available for free at the end of the season.
What clubs are interested in Rudiger?
The most prominent interest in Rudiger, so far, has come from Real Madrid. Los Blancos are big admirers of the defender, and given they won't have to pay a transfer fee, they have expressed an interest.
The Santiago Bernabeu also appears to be Rudiger's preferred destination, but his wage demands could reportedly cause an issue. According to recent reports from ABC, Real Madrid have now pulled out of the race for Rudiger, feeling they have been "used" by the player.
With Eder Militao and David Alaba as their current first choice pairing, Los Blancos don't feel as though they need Rudiger, and are instead prioritising the signings of Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland.
However, they will likely still crop up in conversation, and may well reignite their interest closer to the time.
Paris Saint-Germain are another club rumoured to be interested in Rudiger, with Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos both linked with moves away. The Parisians are unlikely to sell either of them, but adding Rudiger would strengthen a problem position for the side.
Bayern Munich have also been linked, with the possibility of returning to his homeland an attractive one for Rudiger, and with Niklas Sule likely to leave Bavaria, a spot at centre-back will open up.
Could Rudiger leave in January?
It's virtually impossible to imagine a circumstance in which Rudiger leaves Chelsea this month. The Blues seem out of the Premier League title race, but they remain competitive in the Champions League, while there are still two domestic cups to compete for.
It would take a monumental bid for them to consider selling Rudiger mid-season, and nobody would be willing to spend that much when he could be signed for free in six months time.
Could Rudiger leave in the summer?
Yes, in fact, it's seems increasingly likely that Rudiger will depart Chelsea this year. He's a major player under Tuchel, but his heart seems set on a new challenge on the continent.
He may well have his pick of clubs as well, with most of Europe's elite keen on adding such a quality player to their squad.
How old is Rudiger?
Rudiger was born on March 3, 1993, making him 28 years of age.
How much is Rudiger worth?
Rudiger is currently worth €29m, given his contract length, but will be available for free in the summer.
