BLOCKBUSTER TRANSFER: Manchester City Land Antonio Rüdiger After Real Madrid Open the Door Following Dean Huijsen’s Rise

Madrid, July 11, 2025 — In one of the summer’s most stunning transfer twists, Real Madrid have officially placed German centre-back Antonio Rüdiger on the transfer list following the meteoric rise of young defensive talent Dean Huijsen — and Manchester City have wasted no time pouncing on the opportunity.

Multiple sources close to both clubs confirm that City have submitted a massive offer to secure Rüdiger’s services, outbidding at least two other major European clubs who were also in the race for the experienced defender. The move is seen as a strategic statement from Pep Guardiola’s side, reinforcing their backline with one of the most physical and experienced defenders in Europe.

Huijsen’s Rise, Rüdiger’s Exit

Dean Huijsen, the 20-year-old Dutch-Spanish sensation who recently returned from his loan spell at Juventus, has impressed so thoroughly in training and preseason that Real Madrid’s coaching staff, led by Xabi Alonso, now see him as the club’s future defensive leader. With Éder Militão, David Alaba, and Aurélien Tchouaméni all offering additional defensive cover, Madrid made the difficult decision to part ways with Rüdiger.

The German international joined Real Madrid in 2022 on a free transfer from Chelsea and quickly became a key figure in the team’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns. His physical dominance, leadership, and clutch performances earned him praise, but with the shift in Real’s long-term defensive planning, the club opted to monetize the asset now.

City’s Swift and Bold Move

According to reports from Spanish and English media, Manchester City immediately reacted once they heard of Rüdiger’s availability. Guardiola, a long-time admirer of the centre-back’s aggressiveness and tactical awareness, is said to have personally approved the move.

The offer reportedly exceeds €50 million, a sum that dwarfed the bids from rival clubs, rumored to be Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom had expressed serious interest but hesitated over financial details.

City, already boasting a strong backline featuring Rúben Dias, John Stones, and Josko Gvardiol, view Rüdiger as the final piece in building a near-impenetrable defense for the upcoming season.

Reaction and Implications

Real Madrid fans have had mixed reactions. While many praise the club for trusting in youth and giving Huijsen a chance, others feel Rüdiger’s leadership and big-match experience will be hard to replace. Meanwhile, Manchester City supporters are ecstatic, viewing the signing as a power move in their quest to retain both Premier League and Champions League titles.

Neither club has made an official announcement yet, but sources suggest personal terms with Rüdiger have already been agreed, and the deal could be finalized within days.

If completed, the transfer would mark one of the most high-profile defensive moves of the summer and a major shakeup for both Real Madrid’s defensive hierarchy and City’s ambitions in Europe.