'Our hands are tied' - Tuchel admits Rudiger AND Christensen could both move to Barca
FT Desk
- 1 Apr 2022 15:14 BST
- 7 min read
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted that he has yet to speak to defender Andreas Christensen about his rumoured move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window.
The Denmark international is out of contract at the end of the season and despite being a regular starter at Stamford Bridge, the senior defender has been heavily linked with moves to Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Barca.
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However it is the Catalan giants who remain enamoured by the Chelsea defender, with reports suggesting that a move to the Camp Nou is signed, sealed and delivered.
As such, Tuchel was asked about the prospect of one of his key players departing the club this summer and instead of brushing off such remarks, he admitted that it certainly could happen.
"We heard the same rumours,” said the Chelsea manager at a press conference on Friday. “I have no confirmation for you because I've not spoken to Andreas about it at the moment. But we've heard the same rumours."
'Our hands are tied with Rudiger'
Tuchel was then asked about the prospect of Antonio Rudiger joining Christensen in Catalonia, after his agent and representative was spotted in Barcelona this week.
And, rather remarkably, the Chelsea boss admitted that while still confident that the Germany international will stay in London, he also pointed out that the club were powerless to negotiate a new deal and didn’t begrudge Barca from trying to entice him to Spain.
“If it’s true, of course,” said Tuchel when asked if he was worried about Barca’s interest in Rudiger.
“I would try to meet him if I was at any other club. He’s still our player and we still think there’s a good chance he stays our player once things are solved.
“This situation is the situation at the moment, our hands are tied. We cannot speak or negotiate with him and his agent.
“Fair enough if it’s true that he listens to other offers. That’s the way things go but I am still confident.”
Read more about: UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Barcelona, Chelsea, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rüdiger
