Saúl Ñíguez

[dannyboy29]

He has everything you need really to play the position. He's very mobile, good defender, has a bit of the Simeone shit-housery, is excellent at bringing the ball forwards, copes with pressing well, and can make some nice box-to-box runs, has an eye for a pass. Probably chips in 10 goals a season too.

Also has a ridiculous amount of experience for a 24 year old, and a habit of delivering in big games as well.

The one thing he doesn't seem to have is that Jorginho-style setting the pace of the game ability, but I think that can be taught.

I hope to god that if we do sign him that he doesn't have any of the Jorginho styles whatsoever. He's been awful this season.

 

[Dax777]

If rather have Rodrigo :)

 

[richards30]

Well the rumour has come from somewhere ?

 

[jimharri]

Well the rumour has come from somewhere ?

ESPN, apparently.

 

[remember arthur mann]

If rather have Rodrigo :)

Orange juice !

 

[BlueLook]

A consistent and solid player. Could be big for us. But that fee is madness.

 

[Jumanji]

For that price, yes fucking please. He may not play the same position in Madrid, but in Simeone's system I have to think Pep can utilize his defensive strengths when needed, and it's not like Fernandinho was a true holding midfielder at Shakhtar. Even with Pellegrini he played alongside Yaya.

Not saying I fully believe the reports, but this would be an excellent signing if true.

You're being a little unclear there mate. He was an attacking mid full stop at Shakhtar. His transformation has been unreal.

 

[BertTrautmann'sParachute]

I've heard from someone who has good info from the club that if we get to buy any players this summer it'll be Chilwell and Saul and they are, purportedly, close.

 

[Delphinho]

I've heard from someone who has good info from the club that if we get to buy any players this summer it'll be Chilwell and Saul and they are, purportedly, close.

Saul would be great, but signing Chilwell almost makes me want a transfer ban

 

[Dax777]

Saul would be great, but signing Chilwell almost makes me want a transfer ban

Damn! That's mean!!!!!

 

[aguero93:20]

Saul would be great, but signing Chilwell almost makes me want a transfer ban

Almost?

 

[Delphinho]

Almost?

I want Saul, but not Chilwell

 

[BosnianBlue]

Interestingly enough, Barcelona have a first right of refusal on the player should Atletico decide to sell - this clause was part of the 2013 deal that saw David Villa transferred at a lower fee

Having said that, not sure if even at a discounted €80m Barcelona would be tempted despite having coveted the player for years. I think he's excellent and would be interesting to see how he would do in a more offensive set up

First right means nothing if player doesn't want to go in that direction.

 

[cityzens]

I've heard from someone who has good info from the club that if we get to buy any players this summer it'll be Chilwell and Saul and they are, purportedly, close.

Would love to hear more from your source! But this sounds like a one-year ban is inevitable. But if we were to sign Chilwell and Saul before the door shuts, I would be more than happy. Our team would manage for a long time.
I would also have liked Matthijs De Ligt but he looks destined for Barcelona. And we have Eric Garcia. For me, he is (almost) better than Otamendi. He certainly will be. We do not need any more attackers as we have Mahrez, Jesus and Sané on the bench every other game. It’s tight as it is.

 

[Delphinho]

I've heard from someone who has good info from the club that if we get to buy any players this summer it'll be Chilwell and Saul and they are, purportedly, close.

You haven’t heard anything about other players like Jovic and Felix? What about players leaving us?

 

[BertTrautmann'sParachute]

You haven’t heard anything about other players like Jovic and Felix? What about players leaving us?

No. I've only heard those two are (more or less) nailed on (if we don't get a ban too soon in the future).

 

[Delphinho]

No. I've only heard those two are (more or less) nailed on (if we don't get a ban too soon in the future).

Ok, cheers

 

[BlueDejong]

Jeremy Cross?

 

[Hamann Pineapple]

Jeremy Cross?

Absolutely livid.

 

[domalino]

Sid Lowe discussed this in his most recent podcast.

Apparently he was told by 2 people very close to Atletico it wasn't true but that Atletico are losing at least 3 starters (Godin, Luis, Hernandez, maybe Griezmann) and that Saul is a player who has a poor relationship with Simeone who they could get a lot of money from (€80m+) to help rebuild.


I thought it was interesting that he mentioned a poor relationship with Simeone as ESPN's article mentioned some complicated off pitch stuff too. So maybe he will be on the move after all.