Rüdiger not paying attention to rumors, but not making a decision anytime soon

Little has changed in Antonio Rüdiger’s contract situation over the past couple months, and little looks to be changing for a few more months as well, until at least the January transfer window, when the 28-year-old is expected to test the market. He will have six months left on his contract then, and thus able to discuss terms with other clubs.

Rüdiger has called this the most important decision of his professional career, and it would appear that other clubs are willing to pay him more than we are. PSG, Juventus and Atletico Madrid have been credited with interest, but there could be as many as six clubs ready to offer a pre-contract in January. Two of those are said to be Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, even, though at this point everything’s just rumors and speculation and big salary figures getting thrown around.

Toni himself isn’t paying attention to any of that right now, focusing on the job at hand.

“Of course (Bayern’s interest) honors me and proves that I’ve been doing things right. But I don’t let myself be distracted.

“I have an obligation to my club to perform well. I have to prove myself every game and not let myself be distracted by rumors. I make my decisions for myself. They don’t depend on anyone. I feel good where I am.”

-Antonio Rudiger; source: Daily Mail

The ball is certainly in Rüdiger’s court, and it makes plenty of sense for him to wait. Barring a catastrophic injury or a drastic and sudden drop in form, he’s set for a big payday, perhaps even bigger if he leaves.

Should that happen, we would undoubtedly return for Jules Koundé at Sevilla — though we might anyway — and perhaps we have other plans in place as well, considering the ages and contracts of some of our other center backs. (Is the Christensen contract ready to be announced yet?)