According to Spanish news outlet La Razon, Liverpool are in agreement with Atletico Madrid to sign Saul Niguez as they close in on a deal to sign Rodrigo de Paul.
More out of hope than anything I wrote an article this week that suggested de Paul’s move to the Wanda Metropolitano could open the door for Liverpool to sign Saul.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Gini Wijnaldum of Liverpool and Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported: “Udinese will soon announce Rodrigo de Paul deal completed with Atletico Madrid.
“Done since two weeks for €35m – de Paul will join Atléti.”
Atalanta are in advanced talks to sign Juan Musso from Udinese. Negotiations ongoing to reach an agreement. 🇦🇷 @SkySport #Atalanta
Udinese will soon announce Rodrigo de Paul deal completed with Atletico Madrid. Done since two weeks for €35m – de Paul will join Atléti.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 29, 2021
Liverpool’s interest in Saul taking shape
The Reds have been linked with a move to sign the Spaniard for a few weeks now but La Razon’s report is the most significant development so far.
Earlier this week, Spanish newspaper AS suggested €40million is the player’s market value and I said it would be foolish from Liverpool to pass up on the chance to sign him from Diego Simeone.
Now, La Razon have published a report titled: “Atlético de Madrid agrees to sell Saúl Ñíguez to Liverpool” and while it remains to be seen if it’s true or not, this is a golden opportunity for the Reds.
VALLADOLID, SPAIN – MAY 22: Saul Niguez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates winning the La Liga Santander title after victory the La Liga Santander match between Real Valladolid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on May 22, 2021 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
His market value is down €110million (a 73% decrease) with it looking as though Liverpool have beaten the likes of Chelsea and both Manchester clubs to his signature, Michael Edwards may have pulled off another masterclass.
With AS claiming he is worth €40million and La Razon saying that Liverpool need to offer offer “slightly” more than the fee that Atletico Madrid “finally pays for Rodrigo de Paul, Saúl Ñíguez could land at Anfield this summer.”
What would Saul add to Liverpool’s ranks?
The 26-year-old is world-class and he’d be an upgrade on Gini Wijnaldum despite the incredible job the Dutchman did for the Reds.
Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid during the warm-up before the La Liga Santander match between Atletico de Madrid and C.A. Osasuna at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on May 16, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It might be overlooked but adding a left-footed midfielder to the ranks would give Liverpool more fluidity and unpredictability as they currently don’t have a central midfielder that isn’t right-footed.
Thiago Alcantara would help him settle at Anfield and if you add Fabinho to the mix, Liverpool would have the best midfield three in the Premier League.
It’s a bit unfair to exclude Jordan Henderson as the skipper is set to return to the mix next season but given he’s now 31, it won’t be too long before he is no longer a guaranteed starter.
