Five clubs who could sign Saul Niguez
Saul Niguez may have won the LaLiga title with Atletico Madrid last season, but the Spanish midfielder certainly wasn’t a key part of that success and his reduced role means he could be keen for a new challenge elsewhere.
Even though he has a contract that runs until 2026, Saul is one of the players Atleti are willing to lose this summer.
But, where exactly would Saul move to? Premier League clubs clearly have the funds to complete such a transfer, while there is interest in Saul across the continent. Here, then, is a look at five clubs who could make a move for the 26-year-old.
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Manchester United
Manchester United have already strengthened significantly this summer and Saul could be the final piece of the puzzle. Even before this summer, Saul had been linked with Manchester United and this could finally be the year when he switches the Wanda Metropolitano for Old Trafford.
Following the Red Devils’ opening weekend thrashing of Leeds United, Saul even replied to an Instagram post from fellow Spaniard David de Gea, applauding the goalkeeper’s celebration of the three points. Perhaps Saul will soon be celebrating Manchester United victories on the pitch.
Work work work 💪🏽⚽️ pic.twitter.com/OYqeURbU8b
— Saúl Ñiguez (@saulniguez) July 14, 2021
Bayern Munich
When it first became apparent that Saul might be on the move this summer, Bayern Munich were one of the first clubs mentioned as a potential landing spot. There was even talk of an €80 million bid after the board of directors discussed the potential swoop in depth.
As the summer has progressed, Bayern Munich have become a less likely option for Saul, with the German club remaining prudent in the window. There is still time, though, and the Bundesliga champions could make a late move if they feel Julian Nagelsmann needs one extra reinforcement.
Liverpool
Georginio Wijnaldum is gone, Thiago Alcantara hasn’t had the start at Anfield that he would have wanted and Jordan Henderson isn’t getting any younger, so it’s no surprise that Liverpool have been linked with various midfielders this summer.
Saul is one of the players who the Reds could move for, if they decide to strengthen in that area of the pitch. There was even talk of Liverpool offering cash plus a player for Saul, but that is likely to be turned down by Atletico Madrid as they are already set in midfield, following the arrival of Rodrigo de Paul.
Chelsea
As a hard-working player and someone who is versatile enough to do a job in various different positions, Saul is a player Thomas Tuchel would love.
Even if Chelsea haven’t yet decided whether or not they want to sign another midfielder for their 2021/22 squad, the chance to acquire a player of Saul’s calibre might prove too good to turn down for the Champions League winners. If they want to go on and win the Premier League this year, they need depth.
Arsenal
Arsenal have just signed Martin Odegaard from the white half of Madrid, but Saul is a very different kind of player to the Norwegian and the Gunners need to bolster their central midfield options. Having splashed some cash already this summer, Arsenal certainly aren’t shy right now as they aim to return to the Champions League.
The fact they aren’t in Europe, though, could present a stumbling block. Saul didn’t make Spain’s Euro 2020 squad and wants to go to the World Cup. To impress Luis Enrique, he might need to perform in the Champions League.
