Chelsea have completed the eleventh-hour capture of Saul Niguez, who joins from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal.
In an official statement, Chelsea have confirmed the arrival of Saul Niguez. The Atletico Madrid star joins the club on a season-long loan deal with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign. It appears the player is already delighted and had great things to say about the club, soon after completing the switch.
“I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea. Blues fans, I am one of you now and I can’t wait to wear the shirt, start training and see all of you. See you soon!”, said the Spaniard, in the official statement.
The midfielder’s capture from Atletico Madrid marks the end of a rather busy deadline day for Chelsea. The Blues had earlier had their move for Jules Kounde collapse due to a disagreement with Sevilla over the transfer valuation. They also had to block Callum Hudson-Odoi’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund, citing lack of depth.
While the arrival of Saul should fix the problem for Thomas Tuchel, it is too late for Hudson-Odoi to make the move, with the German market already slamming shut almost six hours ago. The Englishman, therefore, could be set for yet another difficult year at Stamford Bridge, with the acquisition of Saul only set to make things even more challenging.
We’re delighted to welcome @saulniguez to the club on a season-long loan! ✍️#HolaSaul ??
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 31, 2021
Aside from Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea’s transfer business on deadline day saw youngster Ethan Ampadu join newly-promoted Serie A side, Venezia, on a season-long loan deal. He had extended his contract in West London until 2024 prior to his move to Venice.
Saul’s departure from Wanda Metropolitano, meanwhile, may have a domino effect in La Liga, as it paves the way for Atletico Madrid to complete the capture of Antoine Griezmann. The Barcelona attacker has reportedly agreed a deal to rejoin Los Colchoneros, in what could be the biggest surprise of the deadline day so far.
On the other hand, Barcelona haven’t had much luck getting their hands on either Dani Olmo or Joao Felix, with the latter being suggested in a direct swap deal with Griezmann. But it appears the Catalans will have to head into the new season with a very thin attacking unit led by new signings Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero.
As for Chelsea, they will be pleased with the signing of Saul, especially after N’Golo Kante exacerbated his ankle injury this past weekend. Having sent Billy Gilmour out on loan, Thomas Tuchel was short on options in the middle of the park. But the signing of the 26-year-old midfielder should address that.
