James Pearce reports that only a major change of heart from Liverpool will see them sign Saul this summer while his value remains at £42.3m.
The Athletic journalist was responding to questions from fans in a ‘Liverpool mailbag’ and suggests that there is no chance the Reds will sign the Spaniard.
Muhammad B asked: “What are the chances of us landing Saul in your opinion James?”
To which Pearce bleakly responded: “Unless there’s a change of heart from Liverpool, I can’t see it.
“He’s been offered around to a host of clubs but his wage demands are massive.”
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 26: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid Celebrates 1-0 during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Athletic de Bilbao at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on October 26, 2019 in Madrid Spain. (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
That’s according to James Pearce and the Athletic but Mundo Deportivo claims if Atletico Madrid is made a big offer they will release their no.8 – they don’t name the fee required though.
Sport, however, suggests that it will take £42.3million (€50m) to recruit Saul this summer.
According to Salary Sport, the midfielder earns a reported weekly wage of
It really doesn’t seem as though Saul will be moving to Anfield this summer which is a real shame as he would be a force under Jurgen Klopp and it would have been really interesting to see a midfield of Thiago, Fabinho and Saul.
While I can’t see Liverpool signing the Atletico star this summer, it’s beginning to look as though the Merseysiders might not make another signing at all.
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE – AUGUST 05: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Pre Season match between Liverpool and Bologna on August 05, 2021 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
This summer, I’ve gone back and forth between what is more and important? Signing a midfielder or a striker?
Liverpool lost Georginio Wijnaldum for free which is a blow to the Reds’ counter-pressing machine but on the other hand, Jurgen Klopp watched on from the sidelines as Roberto Firmino battled to score last season.
Yet, there don’t appear to be any ‘FSG type’ strikers available at the price point the club looks to sign players at so it’s difficult to see how the Reds will make any signings in that department.
GROEDIG, AUSTRIA – JULY 23: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Divock Origi of Liverpool FC looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly Match between FC Liverpool and 1. FC Mainz 05 at DAS.GOLDBERG Stadion on July 23, 2021 in Groedig, Austria. (Photo by Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Then there is the fact that Liverpool are yet to move on either Xherdan Shaqiri or Divock Origi and until they leave, the squad’s non-homegrown slots are fully accounted for.
Sporting director Michael Edwards is going to earn the bulk of his annual salary in the coming weeks as he will help Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool decide the fate of the 2021/22 season.
