Man Utd And Liverpool Have Both Considered Shock Move To Bring Ex-Chelsea Defender Back To England

BACK David Tully Mar 24th 2026 Man Utd have explored the possibility of signing Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer this summer, according to reports in Italy. The former Chelsea defender will be a free agent in July when his contract at Real Madrid expires, and Tuttosport claim that the Red Devils have looked into bringing the German back to the Premier League. Rudiger is also attracting interest from other teams, with Liverpool and Juventus having considered Rudiger as a potential signing as well. Juve may have the edge as their head coach, Luciano Spalletti, previously managed the player during his time at Roma, and talks with his entourage are said to have taken place. Why Rudiger’s move to Old Trafford is now less likely It is believed that the centre-back was being seriously considered as an option to replace Harry Maguire. The England international’s contract comes to an end this summer too. However, it now appears as if Maguire will be staying at United for another season at the very least. The Athletic‘s David Ornstein confirmed last week that both the defender and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to put pen to paper on new deals pretty soon. Man Utd could still sign another centre-half Even if Maguire’s renewal does become official over the coming days/weeks, there are still concerns about the club’s depth in the middle of defence. Neither Matthijs de Ligt nor Lisandro Martinez have managed to stay fit this season, while Michael Carrick’s other options, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, lack experience. That means a move for a centre-back can’t be ruled out, even if Rudiger isn’t the player who is brought in. The fact that the 33-year-old was even considered as a potential target, though, is pretty surprising. Want more news on Man Utd? Add Man U News as a preferred source on Google David Tully David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for the Football News Network.