In January, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer named Antonio Rudiger in his Premier League team of the season so far. Now the German defender is being linked with a move to St James’ Park.
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle are interested in signing Rudiger on a free transfer this summer. The 29-year-old’s contract at Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the season.
His future at Stamford Bridge is very uncertain. The Telegraph state that there is a chance he could remain with the Blues. But, at the moment, he looks destined to leave the European and world champions.
Rudiger would be another statement signing for Newcastle, who really made a splash in January.
However, they didn’t get the centre-backs they wanted, with Sven Botman and Diego Carlos remaining with Lille and Sevilla.
Instead, Dan Burn arrived. Fortunately, the £13million man has been a revelation in black and white.
But even with Burn’s form and Fabian Schar’s resurgence, Rudiger would still be a landmark signing for Newcastle, and a player Shearer would no doubt like to see join the club.
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was full of praise for Antonio Rudiger recently
In January, Shearer named his Premier League team of the season so far for the division’s official website. It included stars such as Mo Salah, Joao Cancelo and Declan Rice.
The team only included one Chelsea player, and that honour went to the man Newcastle suddenly want to sign. He was named as centre-back alongside Manchester City’s Ruben Dias, meaning Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk missed out.
On Rudiger, Shearer said: “For most of this season, up to now, I think he’s been superb and played a big part in what Chelsea are trying to do.”
While Chelsea’s title charge has tailed off, Rudiger is still having a fantastic season. He’s developed into a key player for Chelsea ever since Thomas Tuchel was appointed manager.
The Blues would no doubt be gutted to lose Rudiger, who is also interesting Real Madrid. It speaks volumes about the current state of Newcastle that they’re suddenly challenging one of the biggest clubs in the world for a Champions League winner.
Rudiger would walk into Newcastle’s starting XI, and he’s surely a target that Alan Shearer approves.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
