Confirmed – Manchester United Equired About German International CB
Stuttgart defender, Antonio Rudiger was the subject of a transfer enquiry from United during the summer, however the move could not materialize as Stuttgart rejected further enquiries from United.
Rudiger, 21, has been impressive for Stuttgart and has been considered an ‘amazing player’ by Germany coach, Joachim Low.
The highly rated 21-year-old centre back is on the radar of both Chelsea and Manchester United, however, Bundesliga outfit, Stuttgart, look set to thwart United and Chelsea by negotiating a new deal with the youngster.
Rudiger felt elated while speaking to the press on the interests shown by the Premier League outfits: “the enquiry honours me. It makes me proud. But I focus on the VFB, and I will continue to grow.
“What might happen sometimes in the future, I do not know. This is of course a top international address. And they play in the league of which I dream.”
Stuttgart’s sporting director; Jochen Schneider hinted that the German club will look to keep Rudiger.
He said: “Our intention is to extend with Antonio Rudiger. Already Fredi Bobic [Stuttgart director of football] had talked with him recently, I also conducted a specific conversation with [Rudiger’s agent] Uli Ferber.
“Since May Toni has aroused certain desires, but currently he is not thinking of a change.”
With United’s current defence crisis, the highly rated defender will fit into Louis van Gaal’s plan. Rudiger who is described as a player with lots of potentials can play on the right-back and defensive midfield; one LVG himself will see as a perfect fit to United’s problems.
Rudiger made the squad for Germany’s international matches against Argentina and Scotland, and looks set to clinch a spot for himself in Joachim Low’s World Cup winners for years to come.
United opted to sign Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind as defensive cover after Stuttgart prevented a possible move for the rising youngster, leaving United to monitor his progress.
The 21-year is considered to be one of the most promising defenders in Europe, but Stuttgart have been reluctant to enter into transfer talks as they believe his ongoing developments will be best served within their ranks.
Antonio Rudiger’s signing could be a dream come true, and with the 21-year-old already considered as the opposite of Daley Blind who plays at the left-back and the defensive midfield. However, that Rudiger may not find himself in the Premier League for now is understandable; he is still young, though experienced, having found himself in Germany’s senior team. He looks set to step up his game and his presence at Old Trafford would strengthen be a great addition to the likes of Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo at the heart of defence.
Rudiger made his Bundesliga debut for VfB Stuttgart’s first team in a home match against Borussia Monchengladbach. He currently represents the Germany U21 team. He made his debut for the German national senior team on the 13th of May in a 0-0 draw against Poland.
Other than Manchester United, Chelsea and and West Ham United are among those to have been heavily linked with a move for Rudiger.