Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Premier League

Man Utd to miss out on Saul Niguez transfer, they’re only willing to pay half £132m Atletico want for Pogba replacement

, Man Utd to miss out on Saul Niguez transfer, they’re only willing to pay half £132m Atletico want for Pogba replacement

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to miss out on Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez this summer, according to reports.

The 25-year-old had been earmarked as a potential acquisition to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield – particularly with Paul Pogba’s likely departure.

But according to AS, the Spanish side will demand that the 19-cap Spanish international’s £132million release clause be paid in FULL if they are to let their academy graduate go.

The figure was weaved into Saul’s NINE-year contract when it was agreed upon back in 2017.

This price-tag would smash the £89m club-record fee that United paid for Pogba, 27, back in 2016.

And it would also make Saul the most expensive midfielder of all time.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Red Devils chiefs are believed to like the player a lot, but are unwilling to part with more than £70m for his signature.

Saul is a technically gifted operator but would not exactly be a like-for-like replacement for Pogba.

Atleti’s No8 is a more combative player and has often filled in on the flanks… and even at left-back on occasion.

He produced impressive performances against Liverpool in the Champions League – scoring in the first leg – and has drawn admiring glances from a Manchester United legend.

, Man Utd to miss out on Saul Niguez transfer, they’re only willing to pay half £132m Atletico want for Pogba replacement

Saul scored in Atletico’s 1-0 first leg victory over Liverpool in February

On an Instagram Live session, former skipper Rio Ferdinand said of Saul: “I don’t want Pogba to go but if he does go I’d take Saul Niguez all day long. Not like-for-like but still a top player.

“What a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now.

“I think he’s a major player. Composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware.

“You can see [Diego] Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.”

Saul has made 286 appearances in total for Atletico, notching 38 goals and 18 assists.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

And while this doesn’t match Pogba’s output-per-match – with United’s No6 having managed a hefty 16 goals and 11 assists just last season – Saul has the occasional classic strike in his locker.

His stunning solo effort against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in particular will live long in the memories of Atletico Madrid supporters.

United could turn to Barcelona’s Ivan Rakitic instead.

The 32-year-old would represent a much cheaper option, reportedly available for £17.6million this summer.

The Red Devils are also “obsessed” with Birmingham City’s 16-year-old starlet Jude Bellingham.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Bayern Munich Seeking New Manager Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is reportedly being considered for the Bayern Munich job as the German giants...

Premier League

Premier League Apologizes for Late Change Tottenham's upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest has been rescheduled with just ten days' notice, causing inconvenience for fans....

Premier League

Arsenal's Search for a New Striker Arsenal continues to hunt for a new striker as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his front line. Victor...

Premier League

Missed Opportunity at the Olympics Thierry Henry, the football legend, achieved numerous accolades in his career, including winning the World Cup and Euros with...

Premier League

Developing Talent Since joining Arsenal for a whopping £105 million last summer, Declan Rice has shown significant improvement both for his club and country....

Premier League

Former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy has shared his thoughts on the three players he believes changed the Premier League forever, including a 'nightmare' striker....

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement