What Roman Abramovich sanctions mean for Newcastle’s Antonio Rudiger pursuit

Add as preferred source on Google

Developments at Chelsea will certainly impact Newcastle United’s reported interest in Antonio Rudiger.

The German defender was linked with the Magpies earlier in the week. The Telegraph reported that Newcastle are eyeing the 29-year-old on a free transfer.

His contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire this summer, leading to increased speculation that he could leave the European champions.

And big news coming out of Chelsea this week makes it all but certain that Rudiger will have a new club next season.

Chelsea can’t renew Newcastle target Antonio Rudiger’s contract

On Thursday morning, it was announced that the UK government had sanctioned Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich had put Chelsea up for sale, but his assets have now been frozen.

This puts Chelsea into unchartered territory. The club is obviously one of Abramovich’s assets, and will be directly effected by the sanction.

Chelsea can no longer sell match tickets, meaning season ticket holders will be the only people who can attend Stamford Bridge. Luckily for Toon fans, they can attend this weekend’s game if their ticket was bought before March 10th.

The Chelsea club shop is currently closed, while they won’t be able to sign any new players in the summer.

They also won’t be able to renew contracts, which should interest Newcastle. That means Rudiger will leave Chelsea this summer, unless a takeover is approved.

If Newcastle want to sign Rudiger, they will only have to compete with other clubs vying for his signature. Chelsea are suddenly out the race.

PIF have done a brilliant job of bringing big players to St James’ Park already, with Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier joining in January.

We clearly have immense pulling power now, and that is only going to increase in the summer if, or when, Premier League survival is secured.

Rudiger is having a fantastic season for Chelsea, and would be a wonderful signing for Newcastle. The latest developments at Stamford Bridge only boost the Magpies’ efforts of landing the Champions League winner.