Real Madrid News
Official: Antonio Rudiger joins Real Madrid on a free transfer
Real Madrid are officially in business in the transfer market. The club announced on their social media the signing of Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer from Chelsea.
👋 #WelcomeRüdiger 👋 pic.twitter.com/z7w28u6T6i
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 2, 2022
Rudiger was linked to several European giants in the last few months, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich. However, Madrid fast tracked the deal just before their La Liga title win, and waited until the Champions League final to announce it.
The German defender joins on a four-year deal, with no option to unilaterally extend the deal after that. If it goes according to plan for Madrid, Rudiger will be 33 by the time his deal clocks up.
The official statement states that the 29-year-old will be unveiled on Monday, 20th June at Real Madrid City in front of a packed Santiago Bernabeu.
Even though Kylian Mbappe will not be joining them, Los Blancos are expected to make more signings this transfer window, with Aurelien Tchouameni linked with a €80 million move.
Real Madrid have finally received some good news as MARCA confirms that Nacho has finally made his decision about his future, and is set to continue at the club for the foreseeable future.
His contract expires in the summer, and Real Madrid had tabled an extension for the player, which was not accepted by the Spaniard at the time. Now, however, he has decided to reject offers from Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan.
Nacho will sign a one year extension, with the option to extend for another year if both parties reach an agreement.
His continuity also means that he will be the new club captain for the 2023/24 season, since Karim Benzema is leaving the club on a free transfer in the summer. Luka Modric will be second captain, followed by Daniel Carvajal and Toni Kroos.
Carlo Ancelotti has also spoken to the player, confirming that they trust him for next season in the team, which has gone a long way in helping convince the player.
The Italian gaffer also spoke about the Spanish defender’s contract situation after the game against Athletic Club yesterday, saying:
“Asensio, Nacho and Ceballos? We have explained them their roles. The club have offered them renewals. Asensio has preferred to leave, Ceballos and Nacho are still thinking about it.”
While a centre-back by trade, Nacho has played across the defence for Madrid continuously, including putting shifts at left-back, right-back, and even centre-back.
His departure would have probably pushed Madrid to sign another defender, especially since they are considering selling Ferland Mendy if a good offer arrives.
Regardless of that, though, Madrid are moving to sign Alphonso Davies, and have already made initial contacts with the player. Bayern Munich have not rejected their advances.
Further, the los blancos management have already met with Davies’ entourage twice, cementing their interest in the Canadian ace.
