Real Madrid star will upset Chelsea if he makes Tottenham move

Real Madrid's board have decisions to make over several of their players' futures this summer. Not only are clubs eyeing some members of their first-team but also there is the risk of losing high-profile names on free transfers.

The La Liga giants are expected to conduct a rebuild of the Madrid team and that might mean cutting ties with long-serving players. One of those is Antonio Rudiger whose contract expires in June.

The veteran German defender returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad last weekend. He has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and it seems the London outfit are one of several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the former Chelsea man.

Real Madrid's Rudiger could return to the Premier League

Rudiger arrived at Madrid in the summer of 2022 and has been a mainstay in the backline. He has become a hero whom the Bernabeu faithful have watched win the Champions League and La Liga title.

The 32-year-old has endured injury troubles this season resulting in him making just 10 appearances. He will be key for Alvaro Arbeloa's side in the final stretch of the campaign.

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham, West Ham United and Crystal Palace have all "initiated discussions" over the German. A return to the Premier League is said to be his preference should he leave the Spanish capital.

Spurs are in need of a reboot amid a disastrous season which saw Thomas Frank sacked last week. They sit 16th in the league table, just five points above the drop zone with 12 games left.

Rudiger risks upsetting Chelsea

If Rudiger were to make the move to Tottenham it could harm his legacy at Chelsea. He was a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge and part of the Blues team that won the Champions League in 2021.

When the Germany international left for the Bernabeu he spoke emotionally about how much the club meant to him. He said in an open letter to the club's fanbase through The Player's Tribune:

“Chelsea will always be in my heart. London will always be my home… I have hundreds of memories that will stay with me forever.”

It's not unusual for players to play for Chelsea and Tottenham during their careers. Conor Gallagher recently returned to London when he joined Spurs from Atletico Madrid in January.

Rudiger feels different though because what he achieved during a five-year spell at Stamford Bridge. Joining one of their London rivals might affect his relationship with fans.