Chelsea keen on extending Saul Niguez stay

Chelsea are reportedly exploring the possibility of retaining the services of Saul Nigeuz, whose loan contract expires at the end of the season.

According to a report from Daily Mirror, Chelsea are open to prolonging Saul Niguez’s stay at Stamford Bridge. The Premier League giants are currently seeking clarity with the FA over their ability to trigger existing contracts. Saul had joined the west Londoners from Atletico Madrid last summer, and his loan deal has a £29 million buyout clause that can be triggered at the end of the season.

However, Roman Abramovich’s sanction has put the club in limbo, with Chelsea effectively barred from signing new players or extending the contract of existing stars. This could see Antonio Rudiger, among many others, leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, with the German international reportedly in talks with Juventus over a Bosman deal.

Saul was brought in last summer to offer more depth in Chelsea’s midfield ranks. But the Spaniard endured a difficult start to life in England, struggling with a lack of game-time and falling behind the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and and even Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the pecking order.

However, the Spanish international has started to showcase his qualities, of late, notably racking up 90 minutes of football in games against Norwich City and Burnley. His improved performances have led to praise from Thomas Tuchel himself, and as it stands, it won’t be surprising to see Chelsea ultimately triggering the player’s buyout clause.

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The ongoing sanctions, though, could make things difficult for the Blues, who are not permitted any transfer market activity until further notice. That said, one may argue that Chelsea could technically trigger Saul’s buyout clause since it was agreed upon last summer. At the same time, the transition could take place this year, thus complicating the issue.

It has forced the Blues to seek more clarity from the FA. For the time being, Saul Niguez remains keen on improving his performances and helping Chelsea finish the season strongly.

Also Read: Chelsea and Abramovich in limbo: What do the UK government sanctions mean for the club?

The Atletico Madrid loanee is yet to score a single goal or assist in the Premier League, but his recent form could be a sign of good things to come. If the player can continue his current momentum, a fee of around £29 million could make him nothing less than a bargain for the west London giants. But whether or not Chelsea will be allowed to do so remains to be seen.