MY ACCOUNT
As Chelsea face an uncertain future, one thing appears increasingly likely — defensive rock Antonio Rudiger will be on his way this summer.
The German centre-back, 29, already appeared destined for a Stamford Bridge exit at the end of the season.
But with the Blues currently banned from offering new contracts, the situation may be entirely out of their hands.
How will Thomas Tuchel’s team cope without one of their key rearguard enforcers? And where could Rudiger head to next?
Ahead of this evening’s FA Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough, we assess the state of play.
The story so far
Rudiger joined Chelsea from Roma in the summer of 2017 and helped them lift the FA Cup in his first campaign.
But last term was undoubtedly his most memorable at Stamford Bridge.
Having fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard, the Berlin native became indispensable to replacement boss Tuchel — playing a pivotal role as his fellow German steered the Blues to a second Champions League triumph.
However, a contract extension has not materialised, with player and club seemingly at an impasse over the terms on offer.
Rudiger had insisted he was happy at Chelsea as recently as last month, though the West Londoners have been thrown into disarray since then.
An unforgettable year
Speaking in February, Rudiger described his first 12 months playing for Tuchel as arguably the best period of his career.
He said: “I’m proud of my whole career, but what’s happened in the last year, it’s amazing.
“It’s one thing when you feel good, when everything is well set up and the team is performing well.
“But I think I showed who I am when times were difficult and this is what counts more to me. In good times everyone shines, everyone is good, so there’s no need to say anything.
“I think a career’s all about chapters. When you’re young it’s a different chapter. But this chapter, yeah, it’s some of the best football I’m playing.”
The 6ft 3in defender appears to get as much out of Tuchel as the German tactician gets from him.
From a sentimental point of view, if nothing else, it would be a great shame for the pair to have to part ways.
A huge loss
There is no denying that losing Rudiger would leave a gaping hole in Chelsea’s defence — and not just because of his immense physical presence.
They will miss the 49-cap international’s leadership skills, for starters.
He can be somewhat overzealous at times — but the unmistakable sight of Rudiger steaming into an off-the-ball fracas is a clear mark of the passion he plays the game with.
The Blues look more robust with Rudiger in the side and the data would appear to back that up.
Since his arrival, they have averaged 1.9 points per Premier League game when he has started, compared to 1.7 when he has not.
They have also conceded just 0.9 goals per match when he has featured, versus 1.3 in his absence.
Looking ahead
So who could step into Rudiger’s shoes next season?
When you consider Chelsea are also set to lose Andreas Christensen and skipper Cesar Azpilicueta for nothing, Tuchel will be short of centre-backs.
And if the Blues are still operating under restrictions by the time the summer window closes, Rudiger’s successor will have to come from within.
Trevoh Chalobah is having a breakout season, while Malang Sarr has also featured regularly this term. Then there is Ethan Ampadu, who is currently on loan at Serie A outfit Venezia.
However, all three would represent a downgrade on Rudiger to varying degrees.
Assuming the situation remains as it is, Chelsea are going to be left noticeably weaker by their No2’s departure.
Where to next?
As a free agent under 30, there should be no shortage of suitors for Rudiger.
Bayern Munich are reportedly out of any race to sign the former Stuttgart man but Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have both been linked — with the latter said to have made him a pre-contract offer in January.
And what about potential Premier League interest?
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is believed to be a big admirer of his compatriot and the Red Devils could do with beefing up their backline.
The first big move of his upcoming consultancy role, perhaps? What a kick in the teeth that would be for Chelsea.
