According to a report from ABC, Liverpool could finally sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid if they make the right offer.
On Saturday, AS reported that the Reds had prepared an offer of €40million (£34.23m) but since then, nothing has materialised on that front.
The Spaniard would be a sensational player under Jurgen Klopp’s tutelage but it seems likely that wages would be an issue for a side that has a wage structure that rewards players not for historic excellence but for commitment to Liverpool and success at Anfield.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 8: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid during the Preseason Friendly Match match between Feyenoord and Atletico Madrid at De Kuip on August 8, 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands (Photo by Herman Dingler/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Thiago Alcantara is the exception to the rule and even then, the former Bayern Munich star is not the highest-paid player at the club.
According to ABC, courtesy of a press image provided by Paisley Gates, Liverpool could finally sign Saul Niguez this summer if they submit an offer worth €50million (£42.9m).
After a few weeks of anticipation, Xherdan Shaqiri has sealed a move to Olympique Lyon which frees up a slot in the squad to sign a non-homegrown player over the age of 21.
While it might be more pressing to sign an attacking now that the Swiss attacker has left the club, signing Saul would fill the void left by Georginio Wijnaldum while allowing Harvey Elliott to become the club’s ‘new Shaqiri’.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool hugs Harvey Elliott during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on August 21, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The 18-year-old was sensational against Burnley and had a hand in both goals and it’s clear he already has a strong relationship with Mohamed Salah on the right flank.
Saul has started both of Atleti’s games so far this season and it’s reported by ABC that while his role in the starting XI isn’t under threat, he will be allowed to leave if an offer is received.
Diego Simeone is reportedly keen to sign a new centre forward to challenge and replace Luis Suarez next summer as his deal with Atleti expires next summer.
Atletico Madrid’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez celebrates his goal during the Spanish League football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and CA Osasuna at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on May 16, 2021. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
Selling Saul would provide the La Liga champions with the funds necessary to do so but for Liverpool fans, it remains to be seen if the club will make any late moves as far as incoming are concerned.
After strong wins over Norwich and Burnley, Liverpool look well-equipped to deal with the season ahead but it’s unclear how the squad will be able to cope with major injuries to key players as was the case last season.
