(Football news) Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of Antonio Rudiger for free. The German has signed a 4 year deal with Los Blancos with reported wages of €9m per season along with a signing bonus of €8m and a €15m commission to agents. As a whole it has been an absolute bargain for Real Madrid who have added one of the best centre backs in the world to their double winning squad. The 29-year-old comes to Madrid after 5 successful seasons at Chelsea.

Carlo Ancelotti will definitely have to put Rudiger into the team straight away. How to do that will be a big question for the Italian manager. The current centre back pairing of Eder Militao and David Alaba has been incredible this season but they have had their bad moments quite a few times. Alaba is more than capable of slotting in at left back where he can be just as effective if not more. Ferland Mendy who has been incredible for Real Madrid will also be fighting for a place in the squad. This will give Carlo Ancelotti a very welcome and positive headache. 

The biggest thing Rudiger brings to Madrid is competition and options for Carlo Ancelotti. In the 2021/22 season, the right wing was the only position which had competition. The other 10 spots in the team were pretty much nailed on unless there were injuries or fatigue. The arrival of Rudiger will create some competition wherein 3 of Mendy, Rudiger, Alaba and Militao will be able to play a match. The German will also bring his physicality and aerial presence which Real Madrid didn't have last season. 

Rudiger also brings his leadership skills as he is known to be very vocal. Not that Real Madrid lack leaders in the squad, another one would definitely be a plus point. Rudiger is used to playing in a back three so it remains to be seen how he fares in a back four or whether the manager changes his system. Real Madrid have also been linked to Aurélien Tchouaméni, Serge Gnabry, Leonardo Spinnazola and Sadio Mane. Los Blancos are likely to sign at least 3 more players to make up for losing Gareth Bale, Isco and Marcelo while a few academy players might be promoted.

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