Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger has not “closed the door” on a return to Chelsea, according to reports in Spain.
Marca claim that the German international would consider going back to Stamford Bridge if he does leave the Bernabeu when his contract expires in June. However, fans on X are sceptical about the potential free transfer:
It's never a good idea to go back. Few, very few, ever turn out well.
— Pobody's Nerfect (@OluObaOmo) November 7, 2025
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Dude is washed. Hard no.
— Cris Zelaya. (@CrisAZelaya) November 7, 2025
NO DEAL
He’s not a ball playing CB like that
— Alfred (@Blues_Alfred) November 7, 2025
It’s not a good idea to return to your ex
— larrycfc (@iamlarrygee) November 7, 2025
Bro is washed
— Maestro (@Mrayoola9) November 7, 2025
Nah. We need injury free players. Can’t be dealing with 3 or 4 injury prone players
— Yemi (@frekyyem) November 7, 2025
Rudiger still wants to stay at Real
Marca do point out that the 32-year-old’s top priority is to remain in Spain. Talks over a contract extension have paused as Rudiger is injured.
The centre-back picked up a hamstring problem back in August, and he is not expected to return to full fitness before December.
Chelsea are open to signing older players
Despite the fact that Rudiger will turn 33 in March, that may not put off the Blues from making a move. Respected sources have confirmed that an attempt was made to snap up Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk last summer.
The recruitment team is said to be less concerned about age if the player can be brought in on a free. It suggests that the prospect of re-signing Rudiger would not be rejected out of hand.
As some supporters have mentioned, though, the German has had several injuries over the last couple of seasons, and that might deter Chelsea from offering a contract.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here