Juventus go ahead of Real Madrid: Ranking the contenders to sign Rudiger

Cameron Smith

Updated: 27 Mar 2022 13:21 BST
5 min read

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger has been linked to Real Madrid and PSG — © ProShots

Antonio Rudiger's transfer saga seems never ending. The Germany international is a maverick defender, someone you'd love to play with, but hate to play against. But yet, his contract situation at Chelsea wasn't resolved before the sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich so he will leave the club this summer.

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His deal at Stamford Bridge, which he hasn't extended since signing a five-year contract upon joining the club from Roma in 2017, will expire in June this year, meaning the clock is currently ticking on his Chelsea career.

There were reports that suggested Rudiger was keen on staying at Stamford Bridge before the sanctions hit Chelsea, and he even told the Athletic: "I feel great here, I have always said it. I think the way I play you can see that I'm happy here. But there are also other people who have to make decisions."

However, as things stand the defender will be a free agent in the summer.

For someone who has become so vital to Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel giving him a new lease of life, the club unsurprisingly want to keep hold of him, but things don't look too optimistic right now.

With Rudiger playing the best football of his career, there is no shortage of suitors with several clubs already heavily linked with moves. But, how likely is he to join any of the clubs reportedly interested in him?

5. Barcelona

Although Barcelona have been in turmoil over the past six to 12 months, under new head coach Xavi they are building something slowly but surely.

Results are picking up, and with an exciting, youthful squad, they look set to make the top four in Spain and qualify for the Champions League. That would be appealing for Rudiger, and he would also immediately improve their backline.

Gerard Pique is ageing, and easing him out with Rudiger taking his place would be an excellent decision. Taking the place of a club legend may be something Rudiger would thrive under, and with players such as Gavi, Pedri and Ansu Fati, he could became a leader. They have been one of the favourites to sign Rudiger as well.

The only problem is that this Barcelona team may well be ready to compete in three of four years, but Rudiger wants to compete now.

4. Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich are creeping up this list, and could well soon overtake Real Madrid. The main reason for that is Niklas Sule's impending move to Borussia Dortmund following the expiration of his contract in the summer, and Dayot Upamecano's form.

Signed from RB Leipzig just over six months ago, Upamecano hasn't been the player many expected him to be. Always fairly rash at Leipzig, it was his pace and power that bailed him out of certain situations, but this campaign, that hasn't been enough.

While Bayern are running away with the title, his performances haven't been up to scratch, and Rudiger could be viewed as a potential replacement. One thing is for certain: with Sule gone, they will reinforcements at the back, no matter who it ends up being.

3. Real Madrid

Real Madrid have looked like favourites to sign Rudiger for quite some time, but they've slipped behind PSG and Juventus due to the partnership of Eder Militao and David Alaba at the back, and their other summer transfer targets.

Militao's form has dipped slightly from the start of the season, but he's still a reliable option next to the experienced Alaba, and while Rudiger could easily provide competition and elevate the levels of Real Madrid's defence, they're potential spending in forward areas has seen them fall back in this list.

Kylian Mbappe is their number one target, but that's a move that will take a considerable amount of time and effort. Rudiger would therefore be a side-thought, and for a player who clearly wants to be recognised for his talents, that won't slide.

Los Blancos may also move for Erling Haaland, and if that's the case, Rudiger surely won't join due to their bloated wage bill.

2. Paris Saint-Germain

After they lost Thiago Silva to Chelsea on a free transfer, Paris Saint-Germain appear keen on getting revenge in the sweetest way possible by nicking Rudiger off Chelsea using the exact same method.

The Blues have been linked with both Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos in their search for a potential replacement for Rudiger, so a deal could well be struck.

However, PSG would be wise to simply keep hold of the pair and add Rudiger into the mix. He would likely be an upgrade on Kimpembe, and with Marquinhos able to play in midfield, and Marco Verratti's injury issues well-known, Rudiger could slot in nicely. It would also open an avenue to play a back three more regularly, which would suit Achraf Hakimi perfectly.

They'd be able to offer a chance of Champions League glory, a favourable chance of a league title, and enable Rudiger to move to a fourth different European league.

1. Juventus

Juventus are a new entry in this list and they've gone straight to the top. The Italian giants are off the pace in Serie A and exited the Champions League in disappointing fashion to Villarreal, but they're hoping Rudiger will help their resurgence.

They look set to miss out on the Scudetto this season, and therefore are building towards next season, when Paulo Dybala is likely to have departed.

Dusan Vlahovic was signed in January, and the Old Lady want to add Rudiger to their ranks this summer.

According to the Sun, Juve have already offered Rudiger a deal worth £5.5m per season in an attempt to convince him to join. They may not be the most exciting proposition on this list, but they've made a concrete offer to the Germany international.

They've even touted the idea of Rudiger becoming the 'new Chiellini' with the veteran Georgio Chiellini soon expected to retire.

They will need to secure Champions League football first, and deliver a strong pitch to ward off plenty of interest from the rest of Europe.