Antonio Rudiger in action for Chelsea. (imago Images)
According to The Telegraph (h/t Metro), Antonio Rudiger is demanding to double his wages at Chelsea amidst uncertainty over his future. The 28-year-old has entered into the final year of his contract and could leave on a free transfer next summer with the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Bayern Munich, and Juventus all ‘interested’ in the centre-back.
Rudiger signed for Chelsea from AS Roma back in the summer of 2017 for a fee in the region of £33.3million (including add-on clauses). Although it took a little time for the German to be bedded into the Stamford Bridge setup, he has been an ever-consistent figure in the backline for the club. Thus, will the Blues cave to Rudiger’s salary demands amidst transfer speculation? And more importantly, does Thomas Tuchel need him at the club?
In the last four seasons, Rudiger has been a huge figure for the west London club at the back as he has made over 150 appearances and has contributed to 10 goals in that period. Although always making a case to be in the starting lineup, the 28-year-old has really come to the fore under the stewardship of Thomas Tuchel. Since the former PSG manager arrived in January, Rudiger has been a constant in Chelsea’s 3-4-2-1 setup.
However, even though the centre-back has also helped the club in keeping 4clean sheets in the club’s first 5 league games this season, it does not make sense to double the defender’s salary. Rudiger currently earns £100,000-per-week, and the Blues have already made an offer of £140,000-per-week for the 28-year-old, which has been rejected.
The German is apparently aware that some of Chelsea’s stars are in the £200,000-per-week club, including Timo Werner, N’Golo Kante & Romelu Lukaku, and is eyeing a deal with similar figures. However, given the player will turn 29 next year and that this could be his last big pay-day, the Blues can afford to let him go.
Chelsea currently also have the likes of Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta in the final year of their contracts, while they are also hoping to tie down Mason Mount to a new deal. Thus, instead of doubling the German’s wages, Chelsea could much rather use that money in extending the contracts of their club captain and two players who will stay at the club for a longer time to come than Rudiger.
Even if Antonio Rudiger does decide to run down his contract, it would not represent a major loss for the Blues. Thomas Tuchel already has the likes of Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Thiago Silva in his ranks, while youngsters Malang Sarr and Trevoh Chalobah are also able defenders who can represent the club in the future.
Moreover, the Stamford Bridge outfit failed in their efforts to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla this summer but are poised to go back in for the Frenchman and get a deal over the line this time around.
Additionally, Rudiger’s demands to stay at the club is not something club director Marina Granovskaia has not experienced before. Ex-Chelsea player Willian was also demanding massive wages a little over a year ago, but the Blues refused to cave to the winger’s demands and let him leave on a free transfer to rivals Arsenal.
It is safe to say the Brazilian’s decision has not gone to plan as he has already left the London club and joined Corinthians.
Thus, the West London outfit seem to hold the cards in their hand when it comes to a contract extension with Rudiger. And giving in to his demands would not be the best move.
