Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reached a verbal agreement with Spanish giants Real Madrid over a summer transfer.
The Germany international’s current agreement with the London club expires at the end of the current season, and with no new deal in sight, he will consequently leave the club.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Sunday that the 29-year-old had privately told him he wanted to leave amid reports he had turned down Chelsea’s latest offer of more than £200,000-a-week.
“The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He told me about it in a private conversation,” Tuchel confirmed after Chelsea’s 1-0 win over West Ham.
“We gave everything – me and the club – but we couldn’t fight anymore because of the procedures. Without the penalties we would at least have been able to keep fighting, but our hands are tied. We don’t take it personally. It’s his decision.
Reports on Monday have now indicated that the defender is on the cusp of joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.
A four-year agreement has been reached between Toni Rudiger and Real Madrid, valid until June 2026. ⚪️🤝 #real madrid
It is a matter of final details before contracts are signed. There is no official announcement before the end of the season, even if Tony signs in May. pic.twitter.com/gnTAv6GYr3
– Fabrizio Romano 25 April 2022
Rudiger arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2017 from Roma on a five-year contract and won five titles during that time, including the Champions League.
