Tottenham could do a lot worse than signing Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer this summer.
Spurs have bolstered their defence in the last few seasons with the signings of Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai, but none of them can be considered first-choice in the heart of the backline.
Vuskovic and Takai have both been on loan this season, with Dragusin working his way back to full fitness and Danso called up to deputise when either Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven are injured or suspended.
The fact of the matter is that Spurs really miss Romero or van de Ven when they are not together as a partnership and have not found anyone to properly challenge the duo for a starting spot.
Tottenham Tried To Sign Liverpool Star In January
There are high hopes for Luka Vuskovic, who has shone on loan with Hamburg in Germany, but at 18 years of age it is a lot to expect of a teenager to be a first-team regular in the Premier League.
Spurs tried, and came close, to sign Andy Robertson in the January transfer window, wanting to add some more leadership to their ranks. It is likely the Lilywhites will return for the Liverpool full-back in the summer, when he becomes a free agent, although much will depend on who the new permanent manager will be.
There are question marks over the futures of both Romero and van de Ven, given Spurs' poor performances in the league this season, although any new manager would be loathe to lose either as soon as he arrives at the club. Romero is the club captain, but has interest from both Madrid clubs and could be the subject of £60million-plus offers in the summer.
Rudiger is reported to have been offered to a number of clubs by his representatives this summer, with Tottenham supposedly already having talks behind the scenes about bringing the centre-back to north London.
Next Tottenham Manager Will Have The Final Say
Much like with Robertson, the identity of the new manager will be key when it comes to making a move for Rudiger. But signing him would be a good move for Tottenham, given their need for more leaders on the park.
At 32 years old, Rudiger has been there, done it and worn plenty of t-shirts, winning everything there is to win, having lifted the UEFA Champions League on two occasions - for both Chelsea and Real Madrid.
And, given his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu comes to an end this summer, signing him on a free transfer is something of a no-brainer, given the lack of outlay.
Rudiger has said that "London will always be my home" in the past, speaking about the roots he laid down during his five-year spell with Chelsea. Then Chelsea boss and now England head coach Thomas Tuchel did not want the German international to leave.
Rudiger Speaks Out On Leadership Qualities
Speaking in 2022, Tuchel said: "I don't think anybody likes it. He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room. He is a unique character and plays on an outstanding level. He sometimes takes the focus towards him, he loves responsibility."
Rudiger himself has already told the Tottenham hierarchy and the incoming manager what they will get from him, were he to sign, too.
"What I can offer in the dressing room is my fighting spirit, my leadership: that is what I hope my contribution will be.
"I will give my heart in every match and in every situation. I can promise that. I'm going to give 100 per cent every day."
Rudiger has Premier League experience, he is a leader and a winner and to top it all off he is available for free. It's a win-win.