Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United told to pay an eye-watering signing-on fee to land Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger in the summer
Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast (h/t Express), football journalist Duncan Castles has revealed that the likes of Manchester United will need to fork out a significant sum to land Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The German has been one of the best players in the Chelsea squad this season, hardly missing a game or putting a wrong foot in as he continues to impress in west London and in Europe with his performances on the pitch.
Castles said that the 29-year-old star is looking at an elite European club to sign him in the summer when his current deal with the Stamford Bridge side runs out and he is available as a free agent.
“The news we have today is the financial terms that currently Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is asking to sign a new contract at whichever of the elite European football clubs can be convinced to take him.”
The ‘elite’ clubs that are currently monitoring his situation are said to be Real Madrid, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, apart from United, who are looking to add him to their squad to improve their defence after a terrible showing this term.
“The price”
Despite signing Raphael Varane last summer, the Red Devils’ rearguard has not looked solid thus far, with the Frenchman only looking satisfactory in his displays at best. Although he has brought calmness, they need much more from their other stars to tighten up at the back.
Rudiger may provide the solution to this issue, but Castles revealed that signing him comes at a cost, with his representatives demanding a €30m signing-on fee and a basic annual salary of at least €6m after tax.
“The price that his representatives are asking for is €30million signing on fee and a basic wage of at least €6m after tax each year.”
For a player available on a Bosman transfer ahead of the new season, Rudiger’s people seem to be demanding an eye-watering price to land the defender. United have the deep pockets to afford it, but it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to part with such a large amount for a player available for free.
There is no doubt that the German international deserves a high wage based on his performances for Chelsea over the last two years, helping them to Champions League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup trophies. Any club looking to sign him gets a player who is hungry for more titles.
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In Manchester, the situation at the back looks dire as club captain Harry Maguire looks woefully out of form, failing to set an example for his teammates as he seems to come undone against stronger opposition. Victor Lindelof has not covered himself in glory either, with the Swede prone to committing the odd mistake.
A defensive signing is needed if we are to push for trophies next season under a new manager. Rudiger’s price may be a little off-putting, but any head coach would like to have him in their team based on his current form, and we can hope that our new boss pushes to snap the German up.
