Barcelona seriously considering option to sign Atletico's Saul

Saul Niguez has entered Barcelona’s transfer plans in a big way. The midfielder was not in their plans for the future, but his sensational emergence in the final stretch of the season and the fortunate option to purchase him maintained by the club have made him a very appetising objective moving forward. The Catalan side, therefore, are thinking about going for the player, who could leave Atletico this summer. 

His story with Barça began in 2013. Barça and Atletico reached a beneficial agreement for David Villa to move to the Vicente Calderon and, in exchange, the Rojiblanco offered Barcelona the first option on three of the most promising players in their cantera: Javier Manquillo, Oliver Torres and Saul.

It was mere compensation. At the time, Barça were not especially interested in any of the three players, but now it makes more sense. While Manquillo and Oliver’s paths to the top have stalled, Saul has become the man of the moment after scoring one of the goals of the year in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. That and his complete performance in midfielder have sent sporting directors across Europe crazy. 

Barça had not planned to make a move for him this summer because the priority is to sign a central defender, but everything is aligning in Saul’s favour. He renewed not long ago until 2020 and has a 45 million euro release clause. And Atletico soon realised that was low, as they have offered another deal with a higher clause. Talks have not gone too well, though, as no agreement has been reached. The player understands his value has increased and that he should earn an amount suitable to that. The 21-year-old has the advantage because the summer transfer market is getting close and the price of 45 million euros is accessible for a number of clubs.   

Atletico will continue to negotiate, but if there is no agreement, Saul’s future will depend on the player himself. And that’s where Barça and their first option come in. The Blaugrana would land the player by matching the best offer, something they are considering. He would cost, at most, 45 million euros, and, without doubt, he has quality and versatility which cannot be called into question. They will go for him.