Why Real Madrid's talks with Rudiger have stalled
Robin Bairner
- 5 Jan 2022 09:25 GMT
- 3 min read
Real Madrid have been considered leaders in the race to sign Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger for months, yet it appears that a deal remains far from a foregone conclusion.
Germany international Rudiger has been one of the stars of the Thomas Tuchel era at Stamford Bridge but his future is in doubt because of a contract that expires in June.
He is, therefore, able to negotiate with foreign clubs over a potential departure on a free transfer in the summer.
Trending
Real Madrid have long established themselves as a favourite to capture the 28-year-old, but they face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, while Chelsea have not given up hope of re-signing the defender.
Talks, though, appear to have faltered in recent weeks.
Real Madrid’s Rudiger stance
AS reports that the chief reason behind Rudiger’s faltering move to Real Madrid are over his wage demands – an issue that has also seen talks with Chelsea stutter.
It is claimed that he wants €12 million per year in terms of his basic salary, which is the same as the Primera Division leaders are currently paying ace defender David Alaba.
While they might have considered that value at one point, they have been impressed with the rise of Eder Militao after being given increased first-team exposure following the departure of Sergio Ramos on a free transfer to PSG last summer.
Real Madrid, then, are said to be unwilling to surpass the €10m mark on Rudiger, possibly even including bonuses.
It appears there has been no definitive breakdown between the two parties, but there is a gap that needs bridged. Indeed, this dispute suggests that any slim hopes that Madrid had of signing the player this January have virtually disappeared.
Of course, this is positive news for Chelsea, whose prospects of keeping Rudiger beyond the end of his current deal have been enhanced by Real Madrid’s new position.
