Real captures Rudiger

-Ikenna Okafor

Real Madrid have made an official statement to confirm that they have secured the services of Antonio Rudiger on a four-year deal lasting until June 30, 2026. After leaving Chelsea as a free agent, the German international will complete a Bosman move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Antonio Rudiger is finishing a whirlwind five-year spell with Chelsea this summer. The 29-year-old joined the Blues from AS Roma in July 2017 and endured a topsy turvy ride at the west London club. That was particularly true in the last two years, as he went from a bit-part player under Frank Lampard to a mainstay at the back under Thomas Tuchel’s guidance.

Rudiger’s stock has skyrocketed in the last 18 months, with the player establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Europe. During his spell at Stamford Bridge, the German international played 203 matches for Chelsea, scoring 12 times and providing seven assists. But his time at Chelsea has now officially ended, with Real Madrid his next destination.

Real Madrid’s need for a centre-back has accentuated this season despite the arrival of David Alaba from Bayern Munich in a Bosman move last summer. But Carlo Ancelotti does not have much quality options beyond Alaba and first-choice central defensive partner Eder Militao.