Antonio Rudiger is set to leave Chelsea after he and the club failed to agree terms on a new deal.
The defender looked certain to leave 18 months ago, but no buyer was found and worked his way back into the team under Thomas Tuchel. His last 12 months have been exceptional, and he’s rightly considered one of the top central defenders in Europe.
But money wasted on big contracts for inferior players put Chelsea in a difficult position earlier this year, before the sanctions on the club made signing a new deal impossible in any case.
Antonio Rüdiger will leave Chelsea on a free transfer as he can’t wait more than 2 months for new owners. No bid on the table. He’s always been respectful – but it’s time for a new challenge. It’s over. 🔵 #CFC
…Real Madrid are close to find an agreement to sign Rüdiger. ⚪️⏳
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 23, 2022
Fabrizio Romano was one of several big names reporters who almost simultaneously released the news that the decision had finally been made on the player’s party to leave the club. That kind of unified announcement usually means there’s been a brief from the players end.
It’s a disaster Chelsea could so easily have avoided, and even until the last few hours it’s looked possible.
Rubbish.