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News
- 3 hours ago
Chelsea eager to RE-SIGN fan favourite
Cameron Smith
- 29 Dec 2025 07:59 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger on a Bosman deal in 2026.
The Germany international spent five years at Stamford Bridge before joining Los Blancos on a free transfer in 2022 and he could be set to return to the club upon the expiration of his Real Madrid contract next summer.
Current ETV
Antonio Rüdiger
D (C)
Real Madrid
Antonio Rüdiger
D (C)
Real Madrid
ETV Range
€10M - €12.2M
Rudiger has just six months remaining on his current deal at the Bernabeu and initial reports suggest that Xabi Alonso’s side are unlikely to offer him fresh terms as they look to oversee a defensive revamp.
The 32-year-old was a fan favourite during his time at Chelsea and he has been linked with a return to the club on a number of occasions since his departure, with the Blues identifying him as a possible solution to their centre-back woes.
Chelsea have pivoted their transfer strategy to signing the most talented youngsters from across world football in recent seasons, however they are among the clubs interested in finalising a deal for Rudiger next year.
That is according to Spanish publication AS, who report that Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Galatasaray and Paris Saint-Germain are also keeping close tabs on Rudiger’s situation at Real Madrid as they pursue a potential free transfer.
Antonio Rudiger to return to Chelsea?
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was determined for the club to sign a new central defender following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury in August, but his request fell on deaf ears and he has been forced to survive without one of his best players so far this season.
Rumours speculate that Chelsea could dip into the market to sign a new centre-back next year, although the club may need to offload one of their current options in order to free up space in their squad.
Furthermore, Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr will both reportedly be assessed when they return to Chelsea following respective loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg, although the Blues could turn to Rudiger if they decide to add some much-needed experience to their backline.
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