Chelsea handed huge boost in transfer pursuit of centerback

The centerback soiree has officially begun. Chelsea looks to be one of the VIP guests in attendance, along with other European giants like Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The Blues are looking to reshape their back line as they currently have three out-of-contract defenders in their ranks, as well as a 37-year-old Thiago Silva. It’s looking increasingly likely that at least one of Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen or Antonio Rudiger will remain at Stamford Bridge, it’s just a crapshoot at this point as to which one. This means at least one defensive signing will be required in the summer transfer window.

There have been a lot of names thrown around over the years as Chelsea’s pursuit of a new centerback continues. This includes the likes of Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and seemingly every free agent defender in between. One name that is constantly popping up though is Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule. The German has enjoyed a decorated career thus far in the Bavarian city, but it seems the defender has decided it is time for something new. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday morning that Sule has decided not to renew his expiring contract with the German giants, which is huge news for the Blues.

Chelsea has been handed a huge boost in the potential transfer of CB Niklas Sule

Sule is said to be discussing pre-contract agreements with multiple clubs already as he prepares for his summer departure. Barcelona and Chelsea are believed to be the frontrunners at this moment in time. This would be a big development in the 26-year-old’s career if he does decide to leave for another team throughout Europe. Sule—who was born Frankfurt in 1995—has spent his entire career in Germany. He got his breakthrough in senior football with Hoffenheim before joining Bayern Munich in 2017, where he has been ever since.

It’s honestly a surprise to see the German giants letting one of their star centerbacks go. Sule has been a regular in the Bavarians’ starting XI since his €20 million transfer five years ago. He’s played in 20+ Bundesliga matches every year of his career with Bayern Munich, except for 2019/20 and this season. Sule was well on his way to crossing that threshold again a few seasons ago, going the distance in seven of the team’s first eight league matches, before suffering an ACL injury that kept him out for the remainder of the year. He currently has 18 Bundesliga appearances this year (out of a possible 20). This means Sule needs to appear in just two games out of the next 14 in order to cross the current campaign off the aforementioned checklist.

Hearing about a serious ACL injury to a young defender is enough to ward off some Chelsea supporters. It brings back painful memories of Kurt Zouma’s long track back from his nasty ACL tear six years ago. However, this shouldn’t be a serious concern by any stretch of the imagination. Sule has recovered nicely from the injury, becoming a key figure in both Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann’s back lines since returning.

As for what Chelsea sees in the defender, there is a lot to like. Sule is comfortable playing any centerback position in a number of different formations. Nagelsmann currently switches between a back three and a back four that acts like a back three in possession. Specifically, he plays in the center of a back three and as both a left and right centerback in a back four. This makes Sule an obvious choice for Tuchel’s defensive set-up. Silva currently occupies the starting role in the center of defense and the skillset he has is ideal for that role. The German’s passing numbers are some of the best amongst competing centerbacks, up there with Silva.

Sule is also a towering presence. He stands 6-foot-5 (195 cm), weighing in at around 220 pounds. There are few skeptics who worry about his ability to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality. A quick glance at the veteran’s defensive stats would also be worrisome to those viewing them out of context. The only real area of concern is his aerial ability, which is awfully poor for someone of his stature, but the rest are large-in-part due to the fact he plays in a high line as a centerback who seldom presses. Sule has shown over time he is a very capable defender at the highest level.

This potential transfer is still a long way away from being completed. Nevertheless, it’s hard not to get excited about the prospect of a seasoned defender of Sule’s caliber joining the team. Thomas Tuchel has plenty of first-hand experience playing against the imposing centerback, so it’d be a huge statement signing if the Blues were able to deliver Sule to their manager in the summer.

Would you take Sule at Chelsea? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!