Real Madrid to send doctors for Antonio Rudiger's medical. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on Twitter (h/t The Sun), Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger was involved in secret negotiations with Barcelona as his agent was spotted in Catalonia to discuss a potential move to the La Liga giants.
The Germany international is currently available as a free agent in the summer when his contract with the Stamford Bridge outfit expires at the end of the season. Thus far, neither club nor player has given any update on his contract situation as the defender looks set for an exit in the coming months.
Rudiger’s brother and agent Sahr Senesie is said to have met with Barcelona officials regarding a possible transfer to the Nou Camp ahead of the new season. Less than a day after Rudiger made an appearance for Germany in a friendly against Holland, his agent had a three-hour meeting at a hotel to discuss potential terms.
The 29-year-old has been one of Chelsea’s best defenders over the past couple of seasons, with the defender proving to be the most consistent and reliable centre-back in the squad. Alongside Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen, he has ensured that the rearguard is adept at keeping clean sheets and snuffing out any danger from opposition attacks.
The news about the German defender’s agent being seen in Barcelona is sure to come as a blow for Blues fans, given rumours regarding our other defenders and the Spanish giants. Two days ago, Barca president Joan Laporta talked about the club already completing the signing of two players well before the summer – one of which is reported to be Christensen.
Not just this, but the bad news keeps coming as club captain Azpiliceuta is also linked to the Catalan club in the summer. Thankfully the veteran has now put speculation to rest by triggering an extension. With Silva and Azpilicueta’s futures secured, the focus will now shift to Rudiger.
In a season that has seen us slip up in the title race early on and lose the Carabao Cup final on penalties, this transfer news is devastating. We are also helpless in this situation, given the sanctions imposed on club owner Roman Abramovich, which sees us unable to negotiate new contracts with existing players as well as buy and sell others.
Rudiger is arguably in the prime of his playing career, and to lose him when he is at the peak of his powers would be a big blow for us. His presence in the team has seen us win the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup in the past year.
Things would certainly be desperate for us in the summer if we lose three defensive stars and are unable to find replacements if the current sanctions placed on us continue beyond the summer. The future is uncertain regarding the status of our club, and Rudiger’s potential departure could not come at a worse time.
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