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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.