Transfer News: Manchester United enter race for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger
According to The Independent, Manchester United have made a shocking move by deciding to enter the race for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. He is edging closer to leaving Stamford Bridge at the end of the season as contract negotiations have stalled for a while.
The 28-year-old will see his contract expire in the summer of 2022, meaning he could leave as a free agent ahead of the next season. He could also legally reach a pre-contract agreement with other clubs in January if he decides to leave the Blues. Real Madrid are leading the race for his services, having met with his representatives a few weeks before.
Rudiger’s agent and brother, Sahr Senesie, has reached an informal agreement with the Spanish club for a future transfer. Bayern Munich have not given up and met with Senesie last week to discuss their offer. Tottenham Hotspur, alongside Man United, have entered the race but could face several obstacles in getting his signature.
However, the German has no interest in transferring to a Premier League club and is hoping to move outside England if he cannot reach an agreement with the West London club. With his affiliations with them, it is understandable why he prefers a move outside the country.
Unlikely target
Thomas Tuchel played a part in reviving the centre-back’s career as he was not a preferred option for Frank Lampard.
But stranger things have happened in football and a move cannot be completely ruled out. But even with the arrival of Ralf Rangnick, a fellow compatriot of the German international, it is hard to see how we could convince him to move to Old Trafford.
There is no harm in trying, as his quality is not questionable in the slightest. His contributions have helped his team to have the best defence in the league alongside Manchester City in terms of goals conceded so far. We have also witnessed how crucial he was in their run to win the Champions League trophy last term.
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However, it’s hard to see where he fits in our starting XI. Harry Maguire is our captain while Raphael Varane was the star addition over the summer. With Rangnick playing a formation with two centre-backs against Crystal Palace, it doesn’t seem logical to sign Rudiger just for him to warm the bench.
Given his status, it’s hard to see him agree upon a deal that sees him as our third-choice defender. So, unless there is someone being sold in our defence, signing Rudiger would be more of a luxury rather than a necessity.
