According to recent reports from Spain, Antonio Rudiger’s manager at Manchester United, Erik ten Hag, is planning a shocking transfer for the center-back, but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez currently has no plans to allow the player to leave.

Do Man United intend to add a defender?
Man United has now made it clear that they would be willing to let Harry Maguire leave this summer, even though the £50 million price tag might deter some potential suitors. They are currently vetting a number of new center-back candidates.

Following weeks of negotiations on the player’s side, Fabrizio Romano recently provided a new update on United’s pursuit of AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, claiming that Ten Hag has personally “approved” a move for the Frenchman.

However, no firm decision has yet been made regarding the 25-year-old, and transfer insider Dean Jones says the Red Devils are still considering “a couple of other options” and aren’t “too worried” about missing out on Kim Min-jae.

Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice may be one of them. According to Romano, Man United “sent their scouts” to watch the defender on several occasions, but negotiations are still at an early stage and “nothing concrete” has been made.

Rudiger may be enticed to return to the Premier League if he is given guaranteed minutes in his preferred center-back position, according to reports from Spain (via Football London). United and Ten Hag specifically are reportedly planning a surprise transfer swoop for Rudiger.

Ten Hag is reportedly looking to bring in a top-tier center-back partner for Lisandro Martinez, and the Red Devils are preparing a £51 million offer for the German, whom they plan to tempt with an increased salary. However, Real Madrid are reportedly unwilling to allow his departure at the moment.

Despite potential interest on the player’s end, club president Perez is not considering selling the 30-year-old for any amount, so a transfer to Old Trafford does not appear to be a likely outcome at this time.

Is Rudiger joining Manchester United?
Given that the defender only joined Real Madrid on a free transfer from Chelsea last summer and is currently under contract there through June 2026, there is no immediate need for Real Madrid to sell him. As a result, it does not appear likely that he will move anytime soon.

The news will likely disappoint United supporters because the German international has already proven himself in the Premier League, earning an average Sofascore match rating of 7.21 in the top division during the 2020–21 season, second only to Chelsea’s team.

The former Chelsea player has performed admirably since joining Madrid. He averaged 2.1 clearances per game in La Liga last season, the second-highest total in the team, solidifying his place as a regular in the starting XI.

Described as a “monster” by professional footballer Leon Legge, Rudiger has proven himself at the highest level. If Real Madrid decides to relax their stance at a later point in the transfer window, Rudiger could be a fantastic addition to Manchester United.