Chelsea defender Rudiger could leave Stamford Bridge on a free next summer and Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has spoken about his qualities – but sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic is remaining tight-lipped
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Hasan Salihamidzic has refused to be drawn into commenting on speculation surrounding Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and a potential move to German heavyweights Bayern Munich.
The Bundesliga champions’ director of sport was tight-lipped when asked about the Germany international, who has caught the eye with some superb performances under Thomas Tuchel.
Rudiger has less than a year to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, with talks over a renewal understood to be making little progress.
Other clubs could theoretically move in January to secure his signature on a pre-contract deal, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid said to be monitoring the situation alongside Bayern.
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But Salihamidzic didn’t want to comment on any interest, and instead took the opportunity to talk up some of the defensive options already at the Allianz Arena.
He told DAZN : “It’s not okay when we talk about players who are at other clubs.
” Julian [Nagelsmann] said that about him in the press conference, but he is a coach who sees quite a lot of players – so why shouldn’t he evaluate an international and talk about his strengths.
“[Bayern is] really well-staffed at centre-back. We have strengthened ourselves very well and brought in a top player in Upamecano. Lucas Hernandez is there, Tanguy Nianzou is there, Benjamin Pavard can also play inside – we are really very, very well staffed.
“We have had very little time – I had an appointment today on Friday. We didn’t see each other for that long, but we talk a lot about players, sure.”
Rumours surrounding a potential Bayern swoop for Rudiger intensified earlier this week when manager Nagelsmann spoke about the defender in a press conference.
The 34-year-old admitted he was a fan of the Chelsea man and has been impressed by his form under Tuchel, but said he had not spoken about him with Salihamidzic.
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“I haven’t spoken to Brazzo [Salihamidzic] about it and if I did, I wouldn’t tell you either,” he said.
Rudiger is enjoying a new lease of life at Stamford Bridge and has been one of their stand-out performers so far this season, but the lure of a huge pay day could tempt him to move on.
The 28-year-old could be offered a massive wage increase up to £400,000 per week by one of Europe’s elite clubs if Chelsea do not have tied him down by the beginning of January.
