Bayern Munich director of football rules out move for Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger for now
Speaking to DAZN (h/t Express), Bayern Munich Director of Football Hasan Salihamidzic has ruled out an immediate move for Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger. He went on to explain how the German giants have enough depth at centre-back but refused to get too much into the whole Rudiger situation.
Antonio Rudiger has always been one of those quietly effective centre-backs that don’t hog the limelight as much. However, his quality is of no doubt as he has proven to be an extremely reliable presence for the Blues since his move. A robust tackler, Rudiger is not shy from getting up the field himself as well.
Regardless, it is Rudiger’s contract situation that does not bode well for Chelsea at this time. The Blues are very close to running the risk of losing him for free as he is in the final year of his current deal and not a lot of progress seems to have been made over a new contract. That has seen a number of top clubs such as PSG, Bayern and Juventus take an interest in the 28-year-old.
Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann even spoke about an interest in the German international. However, their DOF ruled out a potential move for Rudiger in the near future citing the fact that they have enough depth in defence, especially at centre-back.
“[Bayern are] really well-staffed at centre-back. We have strengthened ourselves very well and brought in a top player in [Dayot] Upamecano. Lucas Hernandez is there, Tanguy Nianzou is there, Benjamin Pavard can also play inside, we are really very, very well staffed. We [he and Nagelsmann] have had very little time. I had an appointment today on Friday. We didn’t see each other for that long, but we talk a lot about players, sure.”
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It’s a tiny bit of encouragement for Chelsea that Bayern might not come after Rudiger for now. However, the other clubs could well make moves and even Bayern could backtrack on their statements. After all, Rudiger is a quality defender and should he be available to sign as a free agent, not a lot of clubs will shirk away from the opportunity.
