Report: Chelsea’s pursuit of 26-year-old La Liga midfield star collapses

Transfer News: Chelsea move for Saul Niguez no longer possible

According to transfer news from 90min (h/t Mirror), Saul Niguez is no longer heading to Chelsea as the deal has collapsed. Apparently, there were issues regarding the guarantees over playing time and now any deal will not be taking place.

Saul has fallen down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid. From being an untouchable presence in the side once, he has become an option off the bench to call upon for Diego Simeone these days. Last season’s La Liga triumph saw Saul play a reduced role in the side as he made fewer starts than usual.

With Atleti adding a player like Rodrigo De Paul, Saul has dropped further down the order and is looking for an exit. It was here that Chelsea went ahead for his signature and there was even the understanding that a potential loan deal was close. Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano also claimed that a deal was in the works.

However, that deal, despite an agreement over transfer fees, seems to have hit the rocks. The main issue seems to have been Thomas Tuchel not being able to guarantee playing time to Saul.

With options like Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic already at his disposal, it is understandable why Tuchel would not be able to assure Saul of the playing time he desired.

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Nonetheless, it feels like a missed opportunity as Saul could have been someone who provides a different dimension to the attack.