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Bayern Munich sporting director breaks silence on link with Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger
Bayern Munich do not require a center-back, according to sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic, despite reports of a move for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
The 28-year-contract old’s at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season, and he has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich appear to be first in line to sign the Germany international, and manager Julian Nagelsmann has spoken highly of Rudiger, but Salihamidzic has put a damper on the speculation.
The former Bayern Munich star claims that the club does not require a center-back because Nagelsmann has plenty of options in the middle of the defense.
“It’s not okay when we talk about players who are with other clubs,” Salihamidzic told DAZN, via Goal.
“Julian said that about him in the press conference, but he’s a coach who sees a lot of players – so why shouldn’t he rate an international and speak about his strengths?
“‘We are really well filled in the centre-back position. We have strengthened ourselves very well and brought in a top player in Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez is here, Tanguy Nianzou is there, Benjamin Pavard can also play inside – we really are very, very well staffed.”
Similarly, Naglesmann did not want to go into detail about another club’s player, but he did admit he was impressed by the dominant center-back.
“I’m not a fan of talking about players under contract at other clubs, and we’re outside the transfer period,’ he told a press conference ahead of Bayern’s Bundesliga clash with Greuther Furth last week.
“He’s a German international, and is performing very well. Thomas [Tuchel] helped him reach his best level.”
Chelsea are keen to keep Rudiger, whose performances have been extremely impressive since Thomas Tuchel arrived in January, but he has yet to commit, and an exit looks increasingly likely the longer he goes without signing a new contract.
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Bayern Munich sporting director breaks silence on link with Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger
