Manchester United and Liverpool have both been reported to be keen on signing Saul Niguez. While the Spanish Midfielder could be out of favor with his club. It has been reported that Atletico Madrid has priced the player’s value around €40-45m.
Saul Niguez is currently 26 years old. He is currently playing for Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone. The player has been a part of the club since 2008 after joining the Real Madrid under 17. He was promoted to the Atletico Madrid first team in 2013. During that same season, he was sent on loan to Rayo Vallecano helping them above being relegated from the La Liga. After returning from the loan, Saul became a part of the first team ever since. Since making his start, he has scored 53 goals and assisted 20 goals. Indeed, this resume for the play makes him a steal for €40-45m but last season changed it all. Before getting to last season’s stats. Saul Niguez in 2017 signed a 9-year contract extension until the year 2026. Currently, there are 5 years left on it.
Last season having played 33 games, he scored 2 and assisted one goal. The play has been rotated in multiple positions, from Central-Defensive-Midfielder to Left Winger. He averaged 52.45 attempted passes per 90 while having a pass completion rate of 47%. While the player was lauded for being quite a versatile player in his youth and having a football mind like no other. Maybe it could be a mental block for the player within himself which he needs to break through. Indeed it could be also the need for a new challenge or a new location and system that can help the player flourish. Currently, the player is valued at £36.00m by Transfermarkt.
Why Manchester United Could be the Ideal place for Saul Niguez?
Before getting to Manchester United, Liverpool was the other team Reportedly interested in signing Saul Niguez. Liverpool currently has 4 players who can play in the number 6 position. The preferred player in that position being Fabinho. Saul prefers to play as a hybrid of an 8 or 6. With the signing of Thiago last season and Curtis Jones making the step up to the main 11. Saul would have an intense competition to be a part of the starting 11
Within Manchester United, Saul Niguez could slot in the midfield double pivot and even as the number 6 in a 4-3-3. With his creative talent which he has displayed in the past. With a midfield three of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes and Saul Niguez, Manchester united could push through tough matches. The move would make a lot more sense for Saul Niguez as the player while being surrounded by new players with a lot of talent.
