Latest updates on Chelsea’s out-of-contract centerbacks
3. Antonio Rudiger
I’ve saved the best for last. Antonio Rudiger has established himself as one of the world’s best centerbacks over the last year. To say he’s excelled under Tuchel’s tutelage would be a massive understatement. The German defender has blossomed into a more well-rounded and confident player since the Blues brought in the former Paris Saint-Germain manager 12 months ago. Rudiger went from being on the verge of leaving the club to arguably being Chelsea’s most important player in the blink of an eye. No, that’s not an exaggeration, the veteran’s transformation has been unbelievable.
It’s not just a stint either, he’s maintained this amazing form for Tuchel’s entire tenure, seldom putting a foot wrong throughout. Rudiger has gone toe-to-toe with some of Europe’s best strikers during that stretch—players like Karim Benzema, Harry Kane and Luis Suarez—and he’s more than held his own against each and every one. There aren’t enough positive adjectives in the Oxford English Dictionary to describe the impact Rudiger’s had on this Chelsea side lately.
All of this being said, how has the club possibly let Rudiger’s name end up on this list of expiring contracts? It’s not as crazy as it sounds in the end given his status under Frank Lampard. However, he’s proven at this point that he can sustain this excellent level of play. Rudiger’s done it in a back three and a back four. He’s played all across the back line as of late, proving all of his doubters wrong in the process. The German has been superb, no matter the situation.
The 28-year-old is preparing to sign what is likely going to be the last major contract of his career. Therefore, when you couple that with the fact he’s played so well lately, it’s no wonder he wants his next club to offer him a boatload of money. Rudiger deserves it.
Granovskaia drives a hard bargain, but at this point she needs to loosen up a bit. Rudiger has been respectful enough to the Blues to not talk to other clubs during the season. He wants to focus on football and helping the team while his agents handle the rest. Similarly to the other two, there is something that needs to be said for that. This is especially true considering the likes of Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid have flirted with the German international.
It seemed only a few weeks ago that he was definitely going to leave. The two sides hadn’t talked extension in quite some time, but things can change in an instant in football. Chelsea and Rudiger have recently reopened negotiations and the tone of the talks seems positive. There is now a general feeling around the club that the superstar centerback will end up re-signing with the Blues in the coming months. This would be a massive statement from the board that it backs Tuchel. Rudiger gives Chelsea the best opportunity to win trophies as the side is always undoubtedly better with him in it.
Prediction: Extends
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