Antonio Rüdiger completes Real Madrid transfer after leaving Chelsea

The rich have gotten richer as one of the world’s top defenders heads to the Spanish capital

Antonio Rüdiger has completed his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer from Chelsea.

Fresh off a season in which they completed a Champions League-La Liga double, the Spanish giants have further strengthened their squad by signing one of the top defenders in the world.

Rüdiger, 29, has signed a four-year contract at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Germany international spent five years with Chelsea, during which he won a host of honors including the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup.

The most recent season was one of Rüdiger’s finest, as he set career highs in appearances and goals with 54 and five, respectively.

In Madrid, Rüdiger will be reunited with ex-Chelsea teammates Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, as well as his Germany teammate Toni Kroos.

How will Chelsea replace Rüdiger?

Rüdiger’s departure will leave a major hole in Chelsea’s defense, especially with Andreas Christensen close to joining Barcelona on a free transfer and Cesar Azpilicueta potentially to follow, per reports.

Chelsea has reportedly identified Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as a top target to help fill the center-back void, and the Blues have also been linked with RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and Brighton’s Marc Cucurella.

[lawrence-related id=2398,2405]