Chelsea’s interest in Niklas Sule and a verdict on the defender

Media rumors suggest that Niklas Sule may be a target for Chelsea in the summer and if true, the Blues should move aggressively to obtain the player. This author is no newcomer to the Sule support train—far from it. Sule from Bayern Munich would be a tremendous addition to the Blues and he should be a top priority in the summer transfer window. There are a number of reasons why Sule, along with Dayot Upamecano, would be a twosome that would help Chelsea compete for a title in the Premier League.

Back in August, this writer advocated for Sule’s addition to the Chelsea squad. Obviously, he didn’t arrive and things started well, but then floundered a bit, costing Frank Lampard his position. Part of the reason for the club’s inability to compete was very simply a matter of toughness; and by toughness, I mean in the basic, physical sense. Chelsea is not a tough team. Last season, a Manchester United player bullied a young, smaller Chelsea player and there were no repercussions. Unfortunately, John Terry was not still leading Chelsea.

There is no player in the Blues’ team who can assume that role as enforcer. That is a physiological and psychological deficiency that impacts other areas of the pitch. A player that will keep opponents vigilant and on their toes or they will be flattened if necessary by the team’s enforcer, is a great aspect of the squad. As a previous article explained, Niklas Sule can be that player for Chelsea. He’s big; he’s strong; he’s tough and he’s not afraid to utilize those assets to the advantage of his side. Bayern’s loss will be Chelsea’s gain—no doubt about it. Sule will not be 26 until September, so he’s in his prime. He’s not in favor, it seems, at the Bavarian giant. Chelsea should move fast, pay what it takes and get Sule.

Sule’s addition will solve a lot of issues at Chelsea. He’s an excellent center-half who uses his size to bull—not bully—opponent’s off the ball. He has surprising pace for a player his size. He’d be Chelsea’s biggest centerback and he’s the tough player that this Blues side sorely needs. Opponents bounce off him like pinballs when he makes a challenge or tackle and he’s scored two goals this season for Bayern in 20 appearances. What’s not to like?

Last November, this column cited Lampard and his German transfers as magnets for other players from the Bundesliga to join the new Chelsea. From that post six months ago:

"Now, if they are successful in attracting Havertz to Chelsea, why not seek out the exact central defender they need to partner with Rudiger on defense, Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule? Sule is a young, fast central defender from Germany who would fit the Blues like a glove. Further, he’d shore up the back line, just as Virgil van Dijk has for Liverpool."

Now that Sule is possibly available, not just a dream signing, Chelsea should move early in the window to finalize this acquisition. Why wouldn’t he be? He has a world class, highly respected and tremendously successful German manager in charge. He has three compatriots from the German National Team on the Blues now: Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Antonio Rudiger. He also has the prospect of adding just the right ingredient to this Blues side to help the club achieve not only Premier League, but European excellence.

This is a move that just makes perfect sense. Hopefully, Thomas Tuchel will lobby for Sule’s addition to his back line. He needs him and for a whole host of reasons, Sule will make his side better. Here’s hoping that the Blues will move for Sule early in the summer window and strengthen the side in any number of ways.