Saul Niguez could be on his way to Anfield as Liverpool are ‘ready-to-pay’ Atletico Madrid’s asking price

Liverpool are hustling around in the transfer market to sign a central midfielder, courtesy of which the Reds are now willing to pay Atletico Madrid’s asking price for Saul Niguez, according to The Mirror.

Although Saul had a release clause of £129million, Atletico Madrid were ready to accept an offer of £41million, which Liverpool are now ‘ready’ to pay to secure the Spaniard’s services, according to Spanish outlet Diario AS (h/t The Mirror)

The 25-year-old was initially linked with Barcelona, while the two clubs were also considering a swap deal, with Antoine Griezmann going the other way. However, since those talks broke down, several other clubs joined the race to sign the midfielder, including Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United.

Liverpool have, however, marched ahead of the pack and have tried to win the race, which if completed, could be a huge coup for Jurgen Klopp & co.

Why are Liverpool trying to sign Saul Niguez?

Gini Wijnaldum, who spent 5 glorious years at Liverpool, left the club this summer for Paris Saint-Germain, leaving a vacant spot in Liverpool’s midfield line. Although the club already possesses the likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, and youngster Curtis Jones, Klopp might want to add some more midfield, especially since both Henderson and Thiago were injured during crucial periods of the season. 

Saul Niguez, who has incredible ball-carrying abilities, has spent the better half of a decade in Atletico Madrid’s midfield and has excelled in it. However, with the Spanish club signing Rodrigo de Paul this summer, they were ready to listen to offers for Saul Niguez.

Liverpool could use a player like Saul, who would be a positive addition to a side that would be eager to compete for the big trophies next season – something Jurgen Klopp would certainly be planning on doing.