Glen Johnson says Newcastle signing Rudiger ‘would be mistake’

Although Dan Burn has looked an excellent acquisition for Newcastle United, the Magpies are still expected to bring in another centre-back this summer. Ciaran Clark could be on his way out after being dropped from the PL squad while Federico Fernandez may have to leave to get first-team football next season, so there should be at least one player going in the opposite direction.

In addition to LOSC Lille’s Sven Botman, Everton’s Ben Godfrey and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, Newcastle have been linked with Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger, though Juventus appear to be leading the race for his signature.

Glen Johnson was asked by Betting Odds about the Magpies potentially signing Rudiger and whether he’d be making a mistake joining Newcastle, saying: “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 right now it’d be for the wrong reasons.”

Rudiger joined Chelsea on a five-year-deal from AS Roma in 2017 and has gone on to make 191 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals with seven assists. The German international, who’s represented his country on 49 occasions, is out of contract this summer and has no intention of putting pen to paper on an extension, so he will be available on a free transfer.

Newcastle’s takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media means they can muscle out most clubs financially, so there’s every chance Rudiger makes the switch to St James’ Park.

In other