RB Leipzig take their first significant step in their bid to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Rudy.
After an emphatic victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, Niko Kovac admitted that he is happy with his current squad. Bayern Munich are unlikely to make any significant additions to their team before deadline day. The club heirarchy also believes that Niko Kovac has the perfect squad to compete on all fronts this season. Bayern Munich are open to more departures before the end of August, though.
Sebastian Rudy has been heavily linked with a move away from the club since the end of last season. Some German reports earlier this months suggested that the midfielder has emerged as a top target for RB Leipzig. The Red Bulls initially dismissed these reports, however, saying that the deal is not financially feasible for them.
Leipzig’s comments didn’t completely pour cold water on the transfer rumors, though. According to a report in SportBuzzer, Rudy is very much interested in joining RB Leipzig. The German midfielder reportedly took a tour of Leipzig’s training center and spoke to the club coaches on Friday. However, his wages and transfer fee still remaint stumbling blocks for Leipzig in this deal.
Next Transfer? @BastiRudy was for a meeting with @DieRotenBullen in Leipzig on Friday @SPORTBILD @BILD_Bayern @altobelli13
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) August 13, 2018
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Rudy is reportedly regarded as the replacement for Naby Keita at RB Leipzig. Keita joined Liverpool earlier this summer, and Leipzig have not yet found a replacement for the Guinean midfielder.
Leipzig are reportedly ready to break their transfer policy of signing younger players in order to bring Rudy in from Bayern. Julian Nagelsmann is also likely to play a major role in this transfer, as he is set to take over as manager for the Red Bulls starting in 2019. The two have worked together previously at Hoffenheim, where Rudy served as team captain under Nagelsmann.
Rudy joined Bayern Munich last summer after running out his contract at Hoffenheim. He became an instant hit for Bayern as Carlo Ancelotti made him his first choice holding midfielder. However, after the Italian’s departure, Rudy has struggled to feature regularly for Bayern Munich.
He was an unused substitute against Frankfurt on Sunday, perhaps a foreshadowing of his whole season should he stay in Munich. At 28-years-old, Rudy still has several years of top play left. Moreover, he has become a regular member of Germany’s national squad in the past two years. These factors will probably convince Bayern to demand a decent fee for Rudy.
Bayern Munich have already sold Arturo Vidal to Barcelona this summer. The Bavarians are actively looking to trim the midfield department. Thiago is now likely to stay at the club, which opens the exit door for Rudy. Leipzig might have to break their transfer record to acquire the services of the German midfielder, but Bayern’s willingness to sell could work in their favor.