Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs looking into a deal to sign Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger as free agent in the summer. The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and so far no fresh terms have been offered by Madrid.
The former Chelsea man is now weighing up his options, and is believed to be willing to accept a significant wage reduction to return to England. With non-Spanish teams able to formally open talks over a pre-contract agreement, TeamTalk has reported that Tottenham alongside Crystal Palace and West Ham have been made aware of the player’s situation by way of intermediaries.
Rudiger missed the start of the season with a thigh injury, but has been a mainstay in the Madrid side since his return in November. The Germany international is likely to be a part of his country’s World Cup squad next summer and may look to sort out his club future before then.
Rudiger is due to turn 33 in March, making the possibility of a long term lucrative extension at Madrid unlikely. Suitors in Saudi Arabia are circling as well and would be prepared to pay high wages, but the player is keen to continue playing in Europe.
Spurs keen on Rudiger
Rudiger has also been offered to former club Chelsea, but the Blues have moved to a strategy of signing young and emerging talent. The veteran defender is a Champions League and Europa League winner with Chelsea, as well as a Champions League and La Liga winner with Real Madrid.
He’s also bagged several domestic cups and UEFA Super Cups across the two clubs. He remains highly rated among central defenders across Europe and would represent a coup as free agent.
Spurs have sacked manager Thomas Frank after Tuesday’s loss to Newcastle. That was the club’s 11th loss of the season and leaves them 16th in the table and just five points out of the relegation places.
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