Transfer News: Liverpool keeping tabs on Saul who wants Atletico exit

Transfer News: Liverpool target Saul keen to leave Atletico Madrid

According to a report by Spanish outlet AS via Sport Witness (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are ‘very attentive’ to the situation of Saul Niguez at Atletico Madrid.

The midfielder is ‘keen’ to leave Atleti in the summer with a market value of £40m – an offer that could be enough to land the Spaniard. But the Reds could also face competition for his signature.

Premier League rivals, Manchester United, are also linked with the 26-year-old. Saul came through the youth ranks at Atletico Madrid and has been a regular fixture in their line-up for years after a loan stint with Rayo Vallecano in 2014.

Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid is linked with a transfer to Liverpool and Manchester United. (imago Images)

With 261 appearances in La Liga under his belt, Saul could be the replacement that Liverpool need in the middle of the park. The Reds have lost Georginio Wijnaldum to Ligue 1 outfit, PSG, on a free transfer.

Saul to Anfield?

And that is not an easy void to fill. Wijnaldum, ever since he signed from Newcastle United, had been a regular fixture in Liverpool’s line-up.

While the club has midfielders like Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Curtis Jones within their ranks to occupy that position, Saul is arguably a sturdier possible option for Jurgen Klopp.

Georginio Wijnaldum left Liverpool for PSG.

With experience by the bucket load and an impressive injury record, the Atletico midfielder presents himself almost as a must-buy for Jurgen Klopp. The fee quoted above also seems reasonable.

There is hardly any reason for the Reds to not pursue this transfer and their focus should be on strengthening their team, not weakening it. If Wijnaldum’s replacement does not come to Anfield this summer, the Reds’ midfield would undoubtedly be weaker than last season.

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And the task of competing with European powerhouses for trophies on 4 fronts requires a squad with strength in depth – something that Saul’s potential signing would provide to the Reds roster.