Bayern Munich has beaten the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez. This is according to the latest news from Marca.
Atletico Madrid is fresh from securing the LaLiga crown and is looking to sell the midfielder. Saul though having appeared 41 times for the club in all competitions, had a quiet season.
Bayern Munich is reported to have taken advantage of the situation. As per reports, the clubs seem to have agreed to a deal worth £68 million for Saul.
A LOYAL SERVANT
Saul Niguez is one of the consistent performers on Diego Simeone’s side. Saul came through the ranks of the Atletico youth setup. He made his debut for the club in 2012 when he was just 17 years old. Over the years he became a vital part of the team playing 337 times for Atletico in all competition.
The 26-year-old plays in the central midfield role. Saul is excellent in his defensive actions and likes to tackle. Good at holding the ball, he often helps in launching the attack for his team. He has scored 43 goals for Atletico in all competitions.
However, Saul had a dip in his performance this year. He played 1000 minutes fewer this season in the league. Even though his team won the La Liga title, his contributions were limited. In the 33 matches he appeared in La Liga this season, Saul scored 2 goals and assisted 1.
SAUL TO BAYERN MUNICH A DONE DEAL?
Bayern Munich will go into the next season with some major departures from the club. David Alaba, Jerome Boateng, and Javi Martinez will leave the club as their contract came to an end. Their current midfield options include Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Marc Roca, and Corentin Tolisso.
While Kimmich and Goretzka are top-class players, Roca has not been able to find a place in the team. And Tolisso has missed a bulk of his matches due to injury. This means that the club needs a good option in the middle and Bayern has identified Saul as the perfect option. Yet considering Bayern’s previous transfer business, a £68 million move for Saul looks very unlikely.
Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also interested in bringing the Spanish international. And Atletico are reported to be ready to sell Saul who is contracted with them till 2026. The club even seems to have identified Rodrigo De Paul of Udinese as his replacement.
Many reports since have confirmed that no deal has taken place yet. With multiple clubs showing interest in the Spaniard, it will be hard for Bayern to get him. As for Saul who is left out of the Euro 2020 squad of Spain, Bayern will be a great opportunity. He can showcase his abilities in a new league with a very dominant side and get his place back in the national side.
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