Liverpool’s summer transfer plans have suffered a potentially significant blow after a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez was ruled out.
What’s the story?
According to The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce, the 26-year-old is available in the current window, although his wage demands have so far proved too high for any potential suitor.
When asked in a Q&A for the website about the Reds’ chances of signing the midfielder, the journalist outlined: “Unless there’s a change of heart from Liverpool, I can’t see it. He’s been offered around to a host of clubs, but his wage demands are massive.”
The Anfield outfit have been heavily linked with a move for Saul in recent weeks following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum, but it seems as though he’s unlikely to be arriving on Merseyside anytime soon.
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Liverpool fans will be absolutely gutted
News that Liverpool are thought to be out of the running for Saul will surely leave the club’s supporters feeling gutted.
Wijnaldum’s decision to leave the 19-time English champions following five successful years with the club has left a huge hole in the Reds’ engine room given his consistent presence in the starting XI, and the Atletico ace would have been an ideal candidate to fill it.
Indeed, his WhoScored average match rating of 6.76 was better than the Dutchman’s 6.62, while also eclipsing Liverpool midfielders Naby Keita (6.59), Curtis Jones (6.58), James Milner (6.48) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (6.18), which suggests that he could have been a significant enhancement to Jurgen Klopp’s squad in that department.
Over the last few campaigns, Saul has established himself as one of the best central midfielders in the game, winning one La Liga title, two Europa Leagues and one Copa del Rey throughout his time with Los Rojiblancos.
However, the emergence and incredible displays of Marcos Llorente forced Saul down Atletico’s pecking order last season, limiting him to just 22 La Liga starts.
The technically gifted maestro missed out on a place in Luis Enrique’s 24-man squad for Euro 2020 as a result, and he is now keen for a new challenge.
It seemed at various points throughout the current window that Saul’s new surroundings would be Anfield, but that prospect appears to be over for now at least, which will surely come as a source of much frustration for Kopites.
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