Antonio Rudiger warned not to make Newcastle United transfer mistake amid Chelsea uncertainty

Former Liverpool and Chelsea defender Glen Johnson believes Antonio Rudiger would be joining for the ‘wrong reasons’ if he moved to Newcastle United this summer. The Magpies are reportedly among a host of clubs from across Europe keen on the German with his contract at the European Champions set to expire at the end of the season.

Due to Chelsea’s ongoing ownership issues, talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge have had to be put on hold, which could leave the door open for him to leave the club if it does not get sorted soon. Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus are all also said to be interested in his services with the summer, with links to the former particularly strong in recent months.

However, with the wealth of Newcastle’s owners behind them and a very ambitious sporting project under way, they are also said to fancy their chances of prising him to the north east. Rudiger has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world under Thomas Tuchel in the last 12 months and would represent a huge coup for the Magpies.

Johnson, though, thinks that due to Rudiger’s age, it would be a strange decision for him to move to Newcastle as he would not immediately be competing for trophies, like he is at Chelsea. Speaking to Betting Odds, he claims there is only one reason that the 29-year-old would choose Eddie Howe’s side.

He said: “Yes, I do think it would be a mistake. Without being disrespectful, there’d be only one reason why Antonio Rüdiger would be going to Newcastle. I think he’s still got a lot to offer. If you’re still fighting for titles and going deep in most competitions, why would you look to leave? He’s obviously earning good money now. That’ll continue. No, if he goes to Newcastle