Hoffenheim is just the latest victim. The wealthy village club has arguably been the best team in Europe that nobody is talking about. After Real Madrid’s loss to Sevilla on Sunday, only one club in Europe’s big five leagues remains undefeated in all competitions this season: Hoffenheim. Somehow, that hasn’t helped them make a serious title push – they’re only in 5th place thanks to an obscene 10 draws from 16 games – but the 0 in the loss column counts for something. This is a club on the rise under bright young coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Too bad Bayern noticed. Just as Hoffenheim begin their ascent, they’re set to lose their best two players.
Süle is in the conversation of best young center backs in the world and a newly minted Germany international. Standing 6’5″, Süle is a beast, but he’s also quick, has good instincts, and is comfortable on the ball. The 21-year-old looks to be a terrific long-term investment for Bayern, and now he gets to develop alongside Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng for the next five years. And the price Bayern reportedly had to pay for him — €25 million — could prove to be highway robbery compared to Manchester City’s €55 million deal for John Stones last summer.
The 26-year-old Rudy is Hoffenheim’s defensive midfield anchor, though he’s played right back and right midfield for the German national team. With Philipp Lahm likely retiring when his contract runs out in 2018 and Xabi Alonso also nearing the end, adding Rudy makes perfect sense for Bayern, especially on a free transfer. He doesn’t figure to really break into the Bavarians’ star-studded first team — not with the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Renato Sanches, Arturo Vidal and Javi Martinez still around — but Rudy is in the prime of his career and at worst should be a dependable and versatile back-up.
tomdiginson
isn't letting the card fly out Gambit style like he did on Colombia 
games [emoji]128202[/emoji]
goals [emoji]9917[/emoji]️
#Bundesliga titles [emoji]128081[/emoji]
#DFBCup wins[emoji]127941[/emoji]
