Raghavendra Goudar
Transfer News: Manchester United to battle Barcelona for Saul Niguez
According to news from Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Manchester United are set to be involved in a transfer battle with Barcelona for Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez.
The 26-year-old has been with Atletico since 2008 and having risen through the ranks has gone on to become an integral first-team member under Diego Simeone over the past half-a-decade or so.
However, his future at the Wanda Metropolitano beyond this season has been cast in doubt with the club looking for budget cuts after crashing out of the UEFA Champions League at the Round of 16.
This would mean selling some of their star players, one of whom could be Saul, who hasn’t been a regular starter in Simeone’s much-changed tactical setup this term. And this development has piqued the interest of both Manchester United and Barcelona, as per the report.
Manchester United need upgrades in midfield heading into the next season as the defeat to Leicester City this past weekend made clear. Nemanja Matic is past his prime while Fred, for all his positive attributes, remains unconvincing as a top-quality footballer.
Throw in the whole Paul Pogba situation wherein he is set to enter the final year of his contract with the Red Devils, a new central midfielder would become a priority in the summer. Saul, to that end, can be an ideal solution for Manchester United.
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A player who can perform as a No. 8 or a No. 6, the Spanish international has his best years in front of him and would add more quality and balance to our midfield.
The report also adds that the midfielder could be available for only €50m in the summer, making him an even more attractive proposition. But with Barcelona also in the fray for his signing, things may get a tad difficult for United.
