(Football news) Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with Antonio Rudiger. The defender is expected to be signed on a 4 year deal for free as his contract is expiring at the end of the season. The sanctions against Chelsea have made it very difficult for Chelsea to renew contracts. Andreas Christensen is also likely to leave the club for free with Barcelona deemed as a likely destination.

Despite being vulnerable in defence at times  David Alaba and Eder Militao have been a solid pairing at the back. The goals that Madrid have leaked are mostly because of Carlo Ancelotti's attacking tactics. It goes without saying that any player who comes to the Santiago Bernabeu will have to fight for his place and Rudiger will be no exception. Currently, Real Madrid's back up centre backs are Nacho and Jesus Vallejo. Nacho is a versatile defender who can play anywhere in the back four but isn't the most consistent and strong centre back. Vallejo on the other hand is massively inexperienced and simply cannot be trusted in big games. Madrid lack a tall centre back who is a big strong presence in the box which is exactly why Rudiger will be a great addition. Real Madrid aren't particularly dangerous from attacking set pieces which is something Rudiger is good at.

If Rudiger does come to Madrid, he is likely to compete with Militao and Alaba for a starting spot. Another option would be to relocate Alaba to the left and bench Ferland Mendy. The competition will be very good for Real Madrid as right now the only position where there is competition is the right wing spot. Rudiger has been at the peak of his powers ever since Thomas Tuchel came to Chelsea. The centre half has established himself as one of the best centre halfs in the league, if not the world. Signing a defender of Rudiger's ability in his prime for free would undoubtedly be a great deal. At the age of 28, the German could give Real Madrid many years at the top of his game.

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