Chelsea want Rüdiger back: Lacking leadership is the problem

Chelsea’s recruitment team has been assessing ways to bring more experience into a squad that remains one of the youngest in the Premier League.

According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, one option under discussion is a push to bring back Antonio Rüdiger, who spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022.

A familiar voice in the dressing room

Fichajes reports that Chelsea see Rüdiger as a potential stabilizing figure at a time when the team has struggled to establish consistent standards on the pitch.

The club has cycled through different captains and emerging leaders since the exits of César Azpilicueta, Jorginho and, more recently, Thiago Silva, who became an influential presence after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain at age 35.

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Rüdiger, now 31, left Chelsea as a Champions League winner and was regarded internally as one of the more vocal personalities in the squad.

People around the club believe that familiarity with the environment, combined with his competitive approach, could help younger players navigate difficult periods in matches.

Why Chelsea are considering the move

Chelsea’s season has been marked by inconsistency, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino has frequently emphasized the need for players who can manage games without relying solely on instructions from the touchline.

Bringing in a defender with years of top-level experience aligns with the club’s desire to mix their long-term youth-focused rebuild with a few seasoned figures.

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The team’s defensive options currently include Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, talented players, but most still early in their careers or returning from injuries. The club believes adding someone with Rüdiger’s resume could help balance the back line.

What remains uncertain

While Fichajes suggests Chelsea are attentive to Rüdiger’s situation, it is unclear how Real Madrid would respond to any approach.

Los Blancos have dealt with injuries at centre-back this season, and their willingness to negotiate would likely depend on both squad fitness and long-term planning.

Chelsea, meanwhile, must navigate financial constraints after significant spending in recent transfer windows. Any move for Rüdiger would require careful structuring, especially with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules now tightly enforced.

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As the transfer window approaches, Chelsea are expected to examine several defensive options, not just former players.

But the possibility of reuniting with Rüdiger reflects a broader theme: the need for experience, stability and leadership within a squad still finding its identity.

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