Free to negotiate in the winter
With a market value of €28 million, Antonio Rüdiger is among the most valuable players with an expiring contract. The 28-year-old is an important part of the Chelsea squad and in the form of his life. The defender has already rejected a first offer by the Blues—Rüdiger is hopeful he will receive a better offer next year.
Includes 3 Germans: The most valuable center-backs with expiring contracts in 2022
The Telegraph reported on Wednesday, that Chelsea have offered a contract that would increase his salary from £100,000 to £140,000 per week. The right-footed defender is, however, aware that a free transfer in the summer could see him earn more than twice his current salary.
There are no indications that negotiations between Chelsea and Rüdiger could achieve a breakthrough. Starting on January 1, 2022, the German national team defender is allowed to negotiate with other clubs about a potential transfer—and his new salary. Rüdiger is ready to test the waters before he begins negotiations with Chelsea. Among the clubs interested in the defender are Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus.