Manchester United could sign Saul Niguez on the cheap this summer

According to Spanish publication AS via Sportwitness (h/t Sun), Atletico Madrid could be forced to sell Saul Niguez to Manchester United in a cut-price deal.

The Spaniards could have no other choice given the impending financial crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

With the football season currently in limbo, what happens next is anyone’s guess. Atletico risk having their budget slashed if the Spanish season goes unfinished.

Currently in sixth place, the Spaniards could end up missing out on Champions League qualification for next season. Missing out on it will see the club’s finances take a considerable hit.

According to the report, this will force the club into selling players in order to balance their books. One of them, Saul Niguez has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

It was reported earlier by Marca (h/t Metro), that the Spanish giants were refusing to budge on the player’s £130million release clause. They could end up selling him now for £65million, half of what he is valued at.

Permitting the midfielder to leave the club will prove to be a highly unpopular decision with the fans. The 25-year-old came through the ranks at Atletico before establishing himself as a key first-team player.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees the 25-year-old as the perfect foil to January signing Bruno Fernandes in midfield. An engine in the middle of the park, Niguez will supplement Fernandes’ attacking instincts to bring more balance to our midfield.

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Niguez signed a 9-year extension in 2017 and has six years left on his contract. If it comes to pass, he will arrive at United as a fan favourite given his heroics against Liverpool this season.