According to reports, Manchester United looked at the Santiago Bernabeu for a third summer in a row to add players to their roster. However, Real Madrid turned them down this time.
The Red Devils, who had already signed Raphael Varane and Casemiro from Los Blancos for 2021 and 2022, respectively, looked into the prospect of bringing Antonio Rudiger into their team this summer, according to Nacional.
The departure of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof would determine if Erik ten Hag signs up for center-back, as the position is not seen as a top priority.
Claims from the Spanish site, however, suggest United was eager to sign the German defender.
Rudiger made 26 starts in La Liga after arriving on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer. This sounds great on the surface. However, based on Carlo Ancelotti’s team selections in crucial games last season, it appears the 30-year-old only accrued these starts due to David Alaba and Éder Militio’s injuries at various points throughout the campaign. The seasoned coach regarded both as his top center-back partnership when they were healthy.
Militio’s ban, Rudiger started the Champions League semifinals against Manchester City. In the 1-1 home draw with Erling Haaland, he was impressive. But once the Brazilian was given the go-ahead to play, he was left sitting on the sidelines.
This argument, according to a Catalan source, was used by United to persuade Rudiger to transfer to Old Trafford. This was done by promising him an untouchable position in Ten Hag’s side.
The Premier League powerhouses also suggested giving the former Chelsea player, who already earns £315,000 per week and is one of the highest-paid centre backs in Europe, a pay raise.
Additionally, United apparently intended to make a 60 million euro (£51.2 million) offer to persuade Florentino Perez, Real’s president, to sell them another star player. The English titans were forced to look elsewhere when Perez rejected their approach.