The last three summer transfer windows have seen Bayern Munich heavily invest in central defense. The most recent acquisition was Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig for a fee just above €40 million. It does look like Die Roten may sign another central defender next summer.
According to Bild’s Christian Falk, Bayern has contacted the agent of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. The German international has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, so he will be free to negotiate with interested clubs in January. However, Falk also insists that Rudiger is leaning towards signing a new deal with the European Champions.
Antonio Rudiger was on the fringes of the first team at Chelsea under Frank Lampard. However, he enjoyed a change in fortunes at the club once Thomas Tuchel was appointed as first-team head coach. Rudiger played a big role in Chelsea’s Champions League victory last season.
The 28-year-old defender’s upturn in form has also seen him become first choice central defender for the German National team. He has started the new campaign strongly, so it is not a surprise that there is interest from top clubs, including Die Roten.
FC Bayern have contacted Sahr Senesie, agent and brother of Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger. The club is interested in the German international. However Rüdiger is leaning towards signing a new contract at Chelsea [@cfbayern] pic.twitter.com/Ke7eh09tvG
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) September 22, 2021
Rekordmeister has been signing young central defenders in the last three summers, but Rudiger on a free transfer is an attractive opportunity in the transfer market. The possible move for Rudiger from Bayern may also depend on the future of Niklas Sule in Bavaria. The former Hoffenheim defender has less than 12 months on his contract with Rekordmeister.
Along with adding more quality in central defense, Rudiger brings experience to a relatively young defense. The German club parted ways with three senior central defenders in the last three summers- Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, and David Alaba. Meanwhile, Javi Martinez also left the club this summer on a free transfer. The Spaniard also slotted in central defense during the final few years at Die Roten. In light of these numerous senior departures, Rudiger can provide more experience in the current squad.
There is still a lot of work to do for Bayern if they want to sign Rudiger next summer. Chelsea has enjoyed a flying start to the new season under Tuchel, with Rudiger becoming a key part of the defensive unit. The German defender has more than enough reasons to sign a new deal at the London-based club. There is an outside chance for a move to Bavaria, but it does look like Bayern wants to explore the option of getting him back to the Bundesliga.