November 25, 2020, Madrid, MADRID, SPAIN: Saul Niguez of Atletico de Madrid in action during the UEFA Champions League football match played between Atletico de Madrid and Lokomotiv Moskva at Wanda Metropolitano stadium on november 25, 2020, in Madrid, Spain Madrid SPAIN - ZUMAa181 20201125_zaa_a181_023 Copyright: xOscarxJ.xBarrosox
According to Todofichajes (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are set to revive their interest in Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid. It is being reported that the club see him as an ideal replacement for Paul Pogba and are willing to offer around £63million for him. However, Niguez’s release clause stands at a mammoth £135million and United could well have to stump up something close to that.
Born in Spain, Niguez started his journey with Real Madrid’s youth system before switching to the other side of Madrid. He rose through the ranks of Atletico Madrid and made his debut in the 2011/12 campaign. After initially struggling to find regular game time, he was sent on a season-long loan spell to Rayo Vallecano.
Since his return, he has been a regular member of the squad and has established himself as a key member under Diego Simeone. He played a key role in Atletico’s Europa League winning campaign in 2017/18 and also helped his team lift the UEFA Super Cup the following year.
The midfielder has amassed 309 appearances for the Rojiblancos, scoring 41 goals and assisting 18. Saul has also become a regular for the national team with 19 caps and 3 goals to date.
It’s almost as if Manchester United cannot get a breather with Paul Pogba. Right from the start, the player and club have had a rocky relationship. He was let go for free and signed 4 years later for a record fee.
During that time, Pogba has been linked with an exit more times than he’s had a good game in a red shirt. The latest chapter in this drama unfolded when his agent Mino Raiola said that Pogba has no future at the club only to backtrack on his statement saying that only a summer transfer is possible (source – The Sun).
It is imperative that United should start looking at replacements as Pogba has hardly produced anything of note since his move other than media speculation. In that regard, Niguez seems to be a sensible option for the club.
The Spaniard has been at his best in the last few seasons and has already made nearly 400 career appearances. He is a world-class talent and could provide United with some much-needed goals from the midfield.
His inclusion to the squad would definitely stock up United’s midfield options, whilst also bringing healthy competition. He has been at the top level for many years and could be crucial for the team in the long run.
At 26, Niguez is in his prime years and United could do better with one more central midfielder in the squad. He could also go on to represent them in the long run.
His goalscoring abilities would ease some of the burden on Fernandes who seems to be carrying the side all by himself at times. Sure, a £135million release clause would be hard to stump up but this could pay off rather handsomely.