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Antonio Rudiger has emerged as one of the most sought-after centre-backs in world football owing to his brilliant 2020-21 season. Rudiger was a key player in Chelsea's backline and helped Thomas Tuchel's side win the UEFA Champions League last year.
The German international is known for his ability to rattle opponents and get under their skin. However, his methods are deceptive and subtle, and are often missed by referees.
Rudiger is what you might call an 'old fashioned' defender. He is hard in his tackling, uses his 6'3" frame to hold his own and doesn't let opponents have a moment's peace. The Blues defender has formed a terrific partnership with Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.
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However, Antonio Rudiger's Chelsea contract expires in June 2022, meaning he is now free to negotiate and sign pre-agreement contracts with other clubs.
At 28 years of age, the German will relish a new challenge in his career. Having already conquered Europe, albeit in unique circumstances due to COVID, Rudiger can possibly move to a club in a different situation than Chelsea. His mentality to win at all costs is attracting several top clubs who are eager to bring him on board.
With that said, let's take a look at the five clubs Antonio Rudiger could join in 2022.
#5 Atletico Madrid
Antonio Rudiger playing in defense for Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone's watch sounds like a match made in heaven.
The Argentine coach employs a combative and physical approach to the game. In recent years, Atletico have emerged as the only team capable of taking the fight to Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain.
The Rojiblancos' hard tackling, compact and highly rigid style of defending is a nightmare for most attackers. They barely give any space to their opponents to put moves together.
This style would suit Antonio Rudiger exceptionally well. Atletico Madrid's build-up is slow and they are sometimes prone to the counter-attack. With the German's pace, aggression and awareness, they could have added protection in defense.
The Spanish club have quick attackers in Joao Felix, Matheus Cunha and Yannick Carrasco. Rudiger's ability to play the long ball can be used to release these players in wide areas or behind opposition lines. They play three defenders in a defensive structure similar to Chelsea's style, which would make it easier for Rudiger to adapt.
However, with the depth Atletico already have in the position, it is unlikely they will pounce on this opportunity. No matter how great the match seems, Diego Simeone may not go in for Antonio Rudiger unless his side face injuries.
#4 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are building somewhat of a super team. With the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi in attack, the Parisians have been strengthening their side consistently over the last few seasons.
They signed former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos on a free transfer last summer in a bid to add leadership to their exciting and experienced squad. The Spanish centre-back was brought in to help Marquinhos at the heart of PSG's defense.
However, things haven't worked out as planned. Ramos has barely played any minutes in the French capital. Presnel Kimpembe continues to partner Marquinhos in defense.
Mauricio Pochettino's side could do with a player who adds steel in defense, has a vocal and physical presence, and can hold his own in one-on-one situations. Antonio Rudiger fits this mold perfectly and would provide the much-needed experience the Parisians lack at the back.
His wage demands are unlikely to be a stumbling block given the Parisians' riches. While they have a good relationship with Chelsea, they could also get him on a free transfer anyway with his contract running out in the summer.
It could be a deal that works well for everyone, provided Rudiger is convinced of PSG's ambitions and their project.
#3 Juventus
Juventus are yet another potential destination for Antonio Rudiger. The Bianconeri have a history of being home to some of the world's most accomplished defenders. Players like Fabio Cannavaro have established themselves as legends of the game playing for the Old Lady.
Massimiliano Allegri's side currently have two of Italy's best centre-backs in Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci. However, with age catching up to Chiellini who is 37, the team are on the lookout for an adequate replacement. Their young superstar Matthijs de Ligt will also need cover once his older team-mates retire.
Antonio Rudiger would be an ideal addition for Juventus, as he provides off-the-ball defending as well as good ball-playing abilities. Having played in a back-three, the German will fit into the Bianconeri's line-up with ease.
However, the club from Turin are currently under heavy financial burden. They need to offload some players and ask others to accept pay-cuts to overturn their losses. This could mean the club will likely have to wait until the summer transfer window to sign Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer.
#2 Bayern Munich
Like the other teams on this list, Bayern Munich are constantly on the lookout for top talent to feed their ambitions of winning silverware. The club have won the Bundesliga in each of the last nine seasons and look like favorites to repeat the feat once again this season.
However, the German giants have sort of fallen off in European competitions before and after their win in the UEFA Champions League in 2020.
To add to that, manager Hansi Flick, who oversaw the triumph, left the club to become coach of the German national team. Current manager Julian Nagelsmann has a big task on his hands to bring the Bavarians back to the top of Europe.
Defender Nicklas Sule recently confirmed he will not be renewing his contract, which expires in June 2022. It presents Bayern Munich with the perfect opportunity to sign Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea. Perhaps the two clubs could even strike a swap deal this month.
Rudiger, being a German, is likely to jump at the chance to play for Bayern. He has won nearly everything there is to win in club and international football. However, doing so with the best club in his home country would be special.
#1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid have their eyes firmly set on Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger. Ever since club captain Sergio Ramos left for PSG on a free transfer last year, Los Blancos have craved an experienced head in defense.
They did sign David Alaba from Bayern Munich, but he does not possess the same commanding personality and combative approach as his predecessor. This is something Rudiger could bring in abundance.
Alongside Alaba, Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal in defense, Rudiger can help Real Madrid form a solid foundation at the back. The German could even be paired with French starlet Eduardo Camavinga at the heart of defense.
Los Blancos are undergoing yet another phase of rebuilding their fabled 'Galacticos' side. Under president Florentino Perez, the club have added Rudiger and Jude Bellingham to their list of potential signings in the summer.
If they get their man, there will be few who will be able to break through Real Madrid's defense. Antonio Rudiger may as well be able to win another Champions League title.
