Wantaway Atletico Madrid ace Saul Niguez could be the latest household name to join an ever-growing contingent of European stars in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi powerhouses Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad have reportedly set their sights on the 28-year-old, whose contract at the Metropolitano Stadium runs out in three years.
According to Spanish media outlet AS, the versatile midfielder is aware of the club’s intent to get rid of his services in the coming months but won’t move to the Middle East for less than €20 million per year.
Given Saul’s long-term deal in Madrid, the Saudis will have to agree a transfer fee with Atletico if they accept the player’s terms.
Despite spending his entire professional career under contract at Los Colchoneros, it’s been a while since he lost a regular starting berth under Diego Simeone.
Following an underwhelming season-long loan at Chelsea in 2021/22, he returned to Atletico last summer and recorded 31 La Liga appearances in 2022/23, although 20 came from the substitutes bench.
Simeone is keen on revamping his midfield options in the summer, but before signing new players, he’s looking to offload fringe stars, including Saul.
Atletico sanctioned the sale of Geoffrey Kondogbia to Marseille a week ago, with the Spaniard likely to be the next in line to make room for the potential newcomers.
Moroccan star Sofyan Ambrabat has emerged as one of Simeone’s top midfield targets, although the Fiorentina talisman has recently landed on AC Milan’s shopping list.
Los Rojiblancos’ hesitation could come back to bite them, hence the Argentine manager’s effort to resolve the futures of his unwanted assets on short notice.
If Saul’s move to the Pro League materialises, he will become the first top La Liga player to follow the path of many European stars to embrace the riches of Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona outcast Franck Kessie could be another senior star to swap the Iberian Peninsula for the Middle East after Al-Ahli tabled an official bid last week.
