Antonio Rudiger would bring something extremely important to Newcastle’s backline, amid transfer links

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Newcastle United were yesterday linked with a shock transfer for Antonio Rudiger.

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are ready to make a swoop for the German defender, who is out of contract at Chelsea at the end of the season.

The Blues want to agree an extension.

But talks have been going on for a while now and no agreement has been reached.

Rudiger has really stepped up for Chelsea over the last year or so.

He was excellent last season, and played a key role in helping the Blues to lift the Champions League trophy.

He would be a big loss for Chelsea. But he would be a very good signing for someone else, especially on a free transfer.

Apparently Newcastle are now in the hunt for the 29-year-old, which is exciting to think about.

Not least because Rudiger possesses one particular quality that can genuinely take Newcastle’s backline to the next level.

Perhaps something a lot of people still don’t know about Rudiger is that he is seriously quick.

Earlier this season, he was clocked as one of the fastest players in the Premier League with a speed of 21.38mph (via The Sun). At the time, that was bettered by only six players, with Adam Armstrong the fastest at 22.15mph.

Fikayo Tomori said in video with Soccer AM in 2020 that he and Rudiger were up there was the fastest players at Chelsea.

Tammy Abraham also described Rudiger as ‘rapid’ in another video with Soccer AM.

Antonio Rudiger free transfer would address a big weakness at Newcastle

It would be a very difficult deal to do.

Rudiger will not be short of suitors in the coming months given his status as a soon-to-be free agent.

It would be amazing if Newcastle could tempt him to St. James’ Park.

Right now, Newcastle don’t really have a single centre-back with a turn of pace.

Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett are all more physical players.

The Premier League is home to some seriously quick attacking players, so Newcastle surely need to think about adding a bit of pace to their defence ahead of next season. And Rudiger would be a real statement signing.