Earlier this year, it was said that Newcastle were interested in signing Antonio Rudiger, when his contract with Chelsea expired.
The Daily Mail believed that Eddie Howe was eyeing the German, although he eventually decided to join Real Madrid.
According to Sky Sports, Rudiger will earn £342,000-a-week at the Santiago Bernabeu, after signing a four-year contract.
If that didn’t already upset Newcastle, the Magpies have now had salt rubbed into their wounds.
What’s the story?
Well, Howe could’ve got his hands on a player who has now been named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season.
Rudiger joins the likes of Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the backline, ahead of his new teammate Thibaut Courtois.
It is quite a prestigious honour for the 29-year-old to be named in the Team of the Season, especially as Chelsea were knocked out in the quarter-final.
Rudiger is the only player named in the XI who didn’t reach the semi-final, which speaks volumes about how well he performed in fewer games than the likes of Van Dijk.
Now, Howe will presumably be even more annoyed about missing out on his signature.
Newcastle have alternatives to Antonio Rudiger
Fortunately, it doesn’t seem as if the Magpies put all of their eggs into the Rudiger basket – they have other options.
One centre-back who could soon be arriving at St James’ Park is Sven Botman, with Newcastle still keen on a deal for their January target.
Another name who could be joining is William Saliba, the Arsenal defender who has spent the season on loan at Marseille.
Howe is said to be a fan of the Frenchman, and seems set to battle Leicester for his services.
Keep an eye on things at Newcastle, as we expect at least one new defender to arrive this summer.
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