Atletico Madrid have given Liverpool their approval to make an offer for Saul Niguez, as the midfielder looks to take the next step in his career.
Liverpool have been given a major boost in their pursuit of Saul Niguez, reports Mirror. It seems Atletico Madrid are ready to cash in on their star midfielder, giving the Premier League giants the green light to come up with an offer.
The 2020 Premier League champions are said to be in the market for a new midfielder after Georginio Wijnaldum’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain. It has left a massive void in the club’s midfield unit, with manager Jurgen Klopp determined to fill the gap by splashing the cash in the transfer market.
The Reds were initially linked with a move for Florian Neuhaus, but the Gladbach midfielder lacks experience at the highest level of football. As such, Klopp has set his sights on Saul, who is already one of the most experienced in the Atletico Madrid camp with over 330 competitive appearances.
A central midfielder by trade, the Spaniard is a versatile footballer who can operate in several positions across the pitch. He had initially started his career as a centre-back but has groomed into more of an attacker, who can operate out wide if necessary.
Aside from his versatility, Saul offers aggression and work ethic to the table, which is hardly surprising for someone who has thrived under Diego Simeone. Such qualities might make him an asset for Liverpool, too, in the Gegenpressing system professed by Jurgen Klopp.
The 26-year-old could thus become a like for like replacement for Wijnaldum at Anfield. His creative prowess, combined with his ability to drive forward, should take the burden off Thiago Alcantara, allowing the ex-Bayern star to operate in his favoured holding midfield zone.
However, Liverpool are set to face stiff competition from Chelsea in the pursuit of Saul. The midfielder is expected to cost a fortune as well, with Atletico Madrid looking to make the most out of the highly talented Spanish international.
The Reds are exploring other options, including Saul’s Atleti teammate in Marcos Llorente. The former Real Madrid star might be a bit more unrealistic option, though, having been integral to the club’s success over the past 12 months.
We need to address lack of creativity in midfield, this defensive midfielder won’t do that.
I don’t believe Klopp will buy this type of player, we have plenty of midfielders with Kieta, Ox, Milner, Jones and Elliot as backup even if Shaqiri leaves.
If klopp is moving towards the 4-2-3-1 like I think he is, we can play Firmino or Jones as a 10. Jones is naturally a 10, he was playing out of position last year and played great. But his skillset is perfect to be a 10 for us and Firmino was a creative attacking mid before we bought him. If we are planning to use that 4-2-3-1 as I suspect, a player at home as a CDM makes more sense than buying an attacking mid.