Transfer News

Club announce signing of Chelsea-linked defender

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Borussia Dortmund have officially announced the signing of Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule, who had recently been linked with a move to Chelsea.

A few days ago, the 26-year-old’s agent Volker Struth admitted that his client already made the decision on his summer destination.

Sule is currently in the final months of his contract with Bayern and therefore, free to choose his next club.

Dortmund, Chelsea, as well as, Newcastle United had reportedly been interested in the centre-back.

Chelsea, in particular, are expected to be in the market for new centre-backs in the summer transfer window as Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpiicueta’s contracts also expire at the end of the season.

FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

However, Dortmund have now won the reported race for Sule’s signature.

The German club confirmed the pre-contract agreement with the defender on Monday.

“We are pleased to have been able to sign Niklas Sule, a German international, on a free transfer and secure a four-year deal,” the club sporting director Michael Zorc told said in the official statement.

Obviously, Chelsea will have plenty of other defensive targets to shift their attention to, including Sevilla star Jules Kounde, who was very close to moving to Stamford Bridge last summer.

Sevilla Fc V Getafe Cf - Liga Santander
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images

Although, they might be under even more pressure to extend Rudiger, Christensen, and Azpilicueta’s contracts given the limited cheap replacement options.

Bear in mind, according to a recent report from Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are close to completing the deals with Christensen and Azpilicueta in the next days.

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