SAUL NIGUEZ
While Manchester United’s hopes of recruiting Atletico’s talismanic midfielder are not exactly hanging by a thread, executives from the Red Devil camp will have to do far more than merely snap their fingers and watch the 25-year-old come running to Old Trafford.
The six seasons remaining on his contract and a €150million release clause constitute formidable barriers to any change of club. On an emotional level he is very attached to Atleti, having been with them since he was 14 and a first-teamer for the last eight years.
The Spain international underlined his loyalty to the club in an interview with Cadena Sur radio station in November, saying: “I’m under contract with Atletico until 2026 and have nothing else on my mind. If another extension is drawn up, I’ll sign. An improved salary? Things are fine as they are. This is a good team and the coach believes in me.”
Not that United and other interested parties – not least Manchester City and Barcelona – should automatically give up the chase. According to the Mundo
Deportivo sports daily, talks about a new deal have not been going well, with Saul’s representatives unimpressed by the money currently on the table.
Any transfer would depend on how much Atletico are willing to shave off the buy-out figure. In the current climate, would they countenance a reduction to €100m or maybe even less?
Diego Simeone would be loathe to lose him as the Atletico coach always finds room for Saul, who had only missed one competitive fixture this season and that was because of suspension.
Saul would be a welcome addition to any top-class side. He is dynamic, has a wonderful range of pass and can score goals. Indeed, one of his claims to fame is that whenever he scores Atletico never lose. He is a man for the big occasion, scoring in the Champions League these past few seasons against Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
What’s more he is immensely versatile. Although at his most potent in a box-tobox role, he is equally comfortable as a wide midfielder, on either flank, and also has lots of experience as a left-back.
At one and the same time, distributor, destroyer and opportunist goal-grabber? He would fit nicely in the Premier League.
One of his claims to fame is that whenever he scores Atletico never lose