According to reports from The Mirror, Manchester City are interested in signing Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez. One of the finest midfielders in Europe, Saul joined Atletico’s youth setup in 2008 and joined the senior team in 2012. The Spaniard has become an integral part of Atletico’s squad, scoring 31 goals and providing 18 assists in 234 appearances across all competitions so far. This season, the 24-year old has made 30 appearances for the squad, scoring and assisting thrice. Saul’s current contract at Atletico Madrid has another seven years left.
Manchester City are viewing Saul as a replacement for midfielder Fernandinho. Fernandinho has been a key entity for Manchester City in the past few years. However, he is approaching his mid 30s and it doesn’t look like Manchester City will renew his contract after it runs out in 2020.
City are eager to sign Saul but it will cost them immensely as Atletico Madrid have imposed a £130 million buy-out clause on his contract. Hence, City will have to pay a transfer fee which is more than they have played for any other footballer. The last time a player moved to Manchester City from Atletico Madrid was Argentine defender Martin Demichelis in 2013.
