Chelsea news: Thomas Tuchel ‘confident’ of new Antonio Rudiger deal despite Barcelona link | Football | Sport
Rudiger, 29, joined the Blues in 2017 in a £32million deal from Italian giants Roma. The German has been a mainstay in the side ever since Thomas Tuchel’s appointment just over a year ago, and helped the club massively in their Champions League triumph last season.
However, the Stuttgart academy product is out of contract at the end of the season, leading clubs such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich to take an interest in signing him on a free. With the club currently under sanctions – due to the UK government stating that owner Abramovich has links to the Russian government amidst their war on Ukraine – they are not allowed to sign, sell or offer contracts to players, leaving Rudiger’s future in limbo.
Rudiger’s agent met up for talks with Barcelona chiefs over a potential move to the Nou Camp for the upcoming campaign, leaving Chelsea fans fearing that their main defender is set to leave on a free. But Tuchel still harbours hopes that the Germany international will stay at Stamford Bridge for next season, stating he is “still confident” a deal will be agreed once new owners take over from Abramovich.
