Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid contract rebel Saul Niguez, who has a release clause of €150 million.
As per a report from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Manchester City are plotting a summer move for Atletico Madrid superstar and Spanish international Saul Niguez.
The 25-year-old Saul has become one of the most coveted midfielders across Europe. A product of the Atletico Madrid academy, the midfielder broke into the first-team in 2012-13 and has since grown from strength to strength, becoming one of Diego Simeone’s most trusted lieutenants.
Till date, Saul has made 286 appearances for Atletico, scoring 38 goals and assisting 18 more. The Spanish international has featured 37 times in all competitions this term, netting four goals, including one in Atleti’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg win against Liverpool.
Saul’s value has risen tremendously over the past couple of seasons. This has seen Atletico make attempts to try and tie him down to a new long-term contract with an increased release clause. Saul is currently contracted with Atletico till 2026. But, his release clause stands at €150 million, which should not be a problem for any of the European heavyweights to match.
Hence, Los Rojiblancos are trying to get him to sign a new deal with a bumped up release clause. However, negotiations haven’t gone according to plans for the club. Both Manchester United and Manchester City are now hoping to capitalise on the situation and make a summer swoop for the Spaniard.
Manchester United’s midfield could definitely use an addition in the summer, despite the club signing Bruno Fernandes in the January window. While Fred and Nemanja Matic have improved drastically in recent months, question marks remain over the future of Paul Pogba, who has spent most of the season out on the sidelines.
There is a strong possibility that Pogba could be allowed to leave in the summer while Andreas Pereira could also be offloaded, leaving a vacancy in the midfield contingent. And Saul, given his age, experience and quality would be a great addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s roster.
Manchester City are set to lose club captain David Silva, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. And given their over-reliance on Kevin De Bruyne this season, it makes sense that Pep Guardiola would want to add another quality midfielder in the ranks to support the Belgian superstar, making Saul an ideal target.
However, the Cityzens’ two-year European football ban could play spoilsport in their attempt to land the 19-time capped Spanish international.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City are also believed to be battling for the signing of Tottenham superstar Harry Kane as well. It now remains to be seen if either of the Manchester clubs launch an offensive for Saul Niguez come summer.
