Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reached an agreement with Real Madrid to join the Spanish champions on a free transfer in the summer.
Rudiger will officially join Real on July 1 on a four-year deal understood to be worth €400,000 (£342,000) per week.
The Germany international’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and Blues boss Thomas Tuchel revealed last month the defender had decided to reject a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Wednesday 11th May 7:00pm
Kick-off 7:30 p.m.
A number of clubs across Europe – including in the Premier League – were interested in Rudiger. However, Real were the first club to formally express an interest in signing him this summer, and the 29-year-old is thought to be flattered and impressed by Real’s pursuit of him.
Rudiger’s representatives held talks with Barcelona earlier this season, while he had also been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
John Terry, the former Chelsea captain, expressed his disappointment at Rudiger’s impending exit last month. Replying to Sky Sports’ Instagram post regarding the Germany international, Terry wrote: “How have we let this man go?”
Remaining at Chelsea was a possibility for Rudiger, but the sanctions placed on the club’s owner Roman Abramovich made talks about extending his deal impossible.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Chelsea’s draw against Wolves in the Premier League
The European champions – who are set to be taken over by Todd Boehly’s consortium – have been unable to negotiate transfers or contract extensions since March.
Tuchel revealed Rudiger’s decision to leave Chelsea after his side’s win over West Ham last month. speaking to Sky Sportshe said: “The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.
“We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the sanctions. Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.
“He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot.
“He gives courage in the dressing room – the kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one-and-a-half years for me. We then need to find another solution.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Thomas Tuchel admits the sale of Chelsea has been a ‘distraction’ for his players
Pressed on whether Chelsea will be able to replace Rudiger, Tuchel said: “In the moment not, because of the sanctions. Hopefully the sanctions will be the past.
“We had a connection from day one and he deserves my full support. I’m just happy to have had the chance to coach him in the team and the club did as well. We had offers, big offers and the club tried everything but we cannot fight anymore. We have the sanctions, we can’t continue. It is what it is.
“It would be ideal [for sanctions to be lifted before the transfer window] but even if we wish for it, you can’t pull grass for it to grow faster. We have to deal with what the reality is. The sanctions are still in place and the situation is not cleared for next season. We try to focus on the last weeks.”
Spoiled for choice? Watch Leeds vs Chelsea or Wolves vs Man City on the Sky Sports App
Chelsea take on Leeds in the Premier League on Wednesday evening, live on Sky Sports
Can’t decide which of Wednesday’s crucial Premier League games to watch? With Wolves vs Man City kicking off during half-time of Leeds vs Chelsea, and both live on Sky Sports, you don’t need to miss a minute with our second-screen viewing on the Sky Sports App.
Download the Sky Sports App hereand Sky Sports customers can go to the ‘Live TV’ section at the bottom of the screen.