Barcelona poised to land Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger
Barcelona need to strengthen their defense this autumn.
The latest reports in England and Germany suggest that Barcelona are poised to land Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger has been at Chelsea since 2017 when he joined from Roma. The 27-year-old’s contract at Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
The centre-back has banged in two goals in 28 matches for Chelsea last term on all fronts.
The 27-year-old is considered to be one of the best centre-backs in Germany.
The Chelsea centre-back has also represented the Germany at various youth levels before going on to secure 31 senior caps for his country thus far.
Barcelona are looking to sign a centre-back and have identified the 27-year-old as potential transfer target.
Ronald Koeman is a known admirer of the player and is reportedly keen on the idea of bringing him this autumn.
The Chelsea centre-back heavily relies on his ability to read the game. It is coupled with his sensible tackling and an excellent sense of positioning, allowing him to repel most of the danger in the defensive third. He has the quality and the experience to make an immediate impact.
According to the report, “Barcelona are moving for frozen out Chelsea defender Toni Rudiger. Kicker says Barcelona are lining up a surprise swoop for Rudiger. The defender is said to be unhappy at Stamford Bridge having failed to make an appearance in the early weeks of the season. And, with Frank Lampard admitting the player could soon leave, reports have emerged of a possible destination. Barcelona have Rudiger in their sights. The centre-back, 27, is seen as an alternative to Manchester City starlet Eric Garcia, who wants to return to Spain.”
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Barcelona might have to pay over the odds to sign the centre-back.
Good signing for Barcelona?
Signing the centre-back could be a good decision as he could improve Ronald Koeman’s defensive options.
A centre-back of Rudiger’s ceiling will be a massive addition to Barcelona squad as he will not only improve the overall quality of Koeman’s starting XI but also add some stability and variety to his defensive department.
How strong that interest is and whether Barcelona will make a move remains to be seen but it is certainly one worth keeping an eye on.
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Do Barcelona need to sign Antonio Rudiger?
Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.
