According to AS, Liverpool are alert to the situation of Saúl Ñíguez at Atlético Madrid, while Manchester City are also keen.
What’s the story?
Well, one of the Premier League outfits could sign the 26-year-old this summer, despite his £128 million release clause.
AS believe Diego Simeone’s side are struggling financially, and lost around £68.5 million due to the global pandemic.
As a result, the Spanish champions need cash.
One player they could part with is Saúl, who lost his place in the XI last season, starting just 22 of the club’s 38 La Liga outings.
Now, he could be on the move, with Jürgen Klopp’s side eyeing a move for the Spaniard who scored against them in February 2020.
If he does end up moving to Anfield, his previous comments about the Reds should endear him to the supporters, and also his teammates.
What has Saúl said?
Speaking ahead of Atlético Madrid’s Round of 16 clash against Liverpool in 2020, the midfielder said Klopp’s side were a ‘great team’.
Saúl also described Sadio Mané as ‘extraordinary‘ after the Senegal international had just scored a wonderful goal against Norwich.
The Guardian quote him as saying: “Liverpool are very complete, a great team in every area [but] they find it hardest when you’re deep because they’re very, very, very good in transition. I watched them against Norwich and if it wasn’t for [Sadio] Mané’s extraordinary control, they don’t win.
“They’ve won lots of games they could have drawn or lost, which tells you something about what they have inside. It’s not luck. It’s work, sacrifice, not giving up a single ball for lost.”
In our view, this would be a good signing for a Klopp side.
Saúl plays with a high intensity, and is a real box-to-box option who knows how to defend effectively, as well as cause problems offensively.
If a player of his quality really is available for just £34 million, Liverpool have to get involved.
After Gini Wijnaldum’s exit, it’s certainly necessary to add another midfielder to the ranks at Anfield.
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