Liverpool are reportedly preparing an offer for Saul, with AS suggesting they are ready to offer €40million for the Spaniard.
With Georginio Wijnaldum officially a PSG player, Liverpool are in need of a replacement and Saul is an interesting option.
There is no questioning his quality but he had a difficult season with Atletico Madrid in spite of their La Liga triumph.
He started just 22 league games and played a total of 2034 minutes in Spain’s top division as Diego Simeone’s men beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to the title.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Chelsea FC and Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge on December 5, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Just as Spanish newspaper AS notes, Saul still has suitors despite a difficult season and a move to Liverpool could be the perfect way to overcome a tough period, with the Reds said to be readying a bid.
It’s unclear if a €40million bid would be successful but Liverpool could do a whole lot worse than signing a talented, combative, left-footed 26-year-old to replace Wijnaldum.
The player has reportedly been keen to leave the club since March, with Bayern Munich the first to make their interest in him known.
That said, AS claims that Saul will either stay at Atletico Madrid or move to the Premier League.
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 signed a nine-year contract with Atletico in 2017 which has a €150million exit clause in it but despite that massive price tag, the Spaniards are willing to let him leave for far below that.
AS mentions that Manchester United retain their long-term interest in Saul while Chelsea are also admirers of his.
He had a difficult season but it’s still clear that he is a talented player with a bright future and his next move will be closely monitored by the Premier League’s three biggest clubs.
MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 18: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool FC at Wanda Metropolitano on February 18, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
While I previously thought that the best option in the transfer market as far as a Wijnaldum replacement was concerned was Yves Bissouma, I now think that Renato Sanches would be the best option for a number of reasons.
The Portuguese midfielder showed at the Euros that he is an outstanding player and would be cheaper than all the other options previously linked.
He’s also still just 23 and resembles Georginio Wijnaldum in many ways. Signing him would be yet another fantastic move from Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards.
