When will Rudiger's transfer from Chelsea to Real Madrid be announced?

Cameron Smith

• 10 May 2022 11:56 CDT
• 3 min read

Antonio Rudiger's move from Chelsea to Real Madrid following the expiration of his contract at Stamford Bridge has been confirmed by multiple reliable sources and the wait is now on until an official announcement.

Rudiger's deal at Chelsea expires in 2022 and despite the West London club's initial attempts to tie him down to a new contract, the restrictions placed on them following Roman Abramovich's sanctions meant they couldn't present the Germany international a new, improved offer.

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As a result, Rudiger will now join Real Madrid ahead of next season to bolster their defensive options. The 29-year-old has been revitalised under Thomas Tuchel after a period on the sidelines under previous Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, and will sign a four-year deal according to The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano.

David Ornstein, for The Athletic, has confirmed that Rudiger has signed his Real Madrid contract until 2026, and that it will include a €400 million release clause. The report details that Rudiger will earn an annual wage of between €9-10m after tax and has already completed his medical in Madrid.

Rudiger will also receive a signing-on fee on top of his yearly salary. The Germany international played a key role in Chelsea's Champions League final win last season, and the Blues' own hunt for his replacement has reportedly already begun with several names being considered.

He will leave Chelsea five years after joining from Roma in 2017 and with over 200 appearances for the club to his name should he play at least two more times before the end of the season.

When will Rudiger join Real Madrid?

Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein have both reported that an official announcement from either club or the player won't come until after the Champions League final.

Real Madrid secured their place in the final of Europe's biggest club competition after a quarter-final win over Rudiger and Chelsea and a semi-final triumph against Manchester City. Both victories were sealed in extra-time.

With Los Blancos focusing on the showpiece game in Paris, Rudiger's transfer will not be officially confirmed by Chelsea or Real Madrid until after that game and therefore after the season has concluded.