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Could the German warrior make a stunning Stamford Bridge comeback? As Chelsea continues its rebuilding project under Enzo Maresca, reports from Spain suggest the club could turn to a familiar face to reinforce its backline: Antonio Rüdiger, the German defender who left Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid in 2022. According to MARCA, the 32-year-old centre-back is approaching the final six months of his contract with Los Blancos, and Chelsea is exploring the possibility of re-signing him. A complicated departure and unfinished business Rüdiger’s exit from Chelsea in 2022 was one of the most emotional farewells in recent club history. He had become a pillar of Thomas Tuchel’s defence, anchoring the backline that delivered Chelsea’s historic 2021 UEFA Champions League triumph. But as contract talks stalled due to sanctions placed on former owner Roman Abramovich, Chelsea were unable to extend Rüdiger’s deal. Real Madrid swooped in, securing the German on a free transfer. At the time, Rüdiger admitted that negotiations had been “difficult long before the sanctions,” hinting at differences in valuation and long-term vision. Yet, his affection for Chelsea never faded. “Chelsea will always have a special place in my heart,” he wrote in his farewell message. “It’s not a goodbye, it’s see you later.” Rüdiger’s time at Real Madrid has been successful overall, winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, but the 2025 season has been a difficult one. A hamstring injury suffered in September has ruled him out for much of the campaign, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as new manager Xabi Alonso reshapes the team. Spanish outlet MARCA reports that contract extension talks were paused when Rüdiger went down injured, a decision said to be mutual but one that created uncertainty about his long-term future. Madrid, meanwhile, is believed to be planning a gradual defensive overhaul, with both Rüdiger and David Alaba nearing the end of their contracts. Though the club hasn’t ruled out extending the German’s deal, the signals suggest they may look for younger replacements in the summer.
