Spanish newspaper AS says that Saul is valued at just €40m by Atletico Madrid and with Rodrigo de Paul to join the La Liga outfit, Liverpool must swoop.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday evening that Udinese will soon confirm that de Paul will join Atleti for €35million and could open the door for Saul to leave the Wanda Metropolitano.
Liverpool are looking for a Georginio Wijnaldum replacement and Saul suits the Reds perfectly with his price way down, according to AS.
MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 14: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and CA Osasuna at Wanda Metropolitano on December 14, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Marca previously reported that the Spanish midfielder would only be allowed to leave if his unbelievable €150million exit clause is triggered.
Now, with AS suggesting €40m is the player’s market value, it would be foolish from Liverpool to pass up on the chance to sign him from Diego Simeone.
His market value is down €110million (a 73% decrease) and if Liverpool can beat the likes of Chelsea and both Manchester clubs to his signature, he would be a significant acquisition.
Thiago and Saul would be an amazing duo and with Fabinho behind them, Liverpool would have a genuinely world-class midfield trio.
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)
Saul is just 26 and with Jordan Henderson and Thiago both in their 30s, signing a younger midfielder is important as Liverpool cannot afford to have an ageing midfield.
Jurgen Klopp will soon need to consider what he will do upfront as the front three isn’t getting any younger and Liverpool don’t want to be in a position where they need to overhaul the entire squad next summer.
Signing Saul would give Liverpool at least five years with a world-class midfielder and buy some time before he needs to consider reinforcing the engine room with multiple additions.
