Transfer News: Liverpool steal a march on Chelsea target Saul Niguez

According to Spanish publication AS (h/t football.london), Liverpool have lodged a bid for Atletico Madrid star, Saul Niguez, who is also a transfer target for Chelsea.

The Spanish midfielder has been ‘strongly linked’ with Chelsea recently. However, it seems like Jurgen Klopp’s side has taken the first big step towards securing a transfer.

Saul is a quality midfielder who is arguably in the peak years of his football career. The 26-year-old, who was signed by Los Colchoneros from Rayo Vallecano, was an important member of Diego Simeone’s title-winning side last season. If you peruse some of the international sites for football betting, you’ll see that many of the bookies are giving a green light to this move.

Chelsea midfielder, N’Golo Kante’ vies for the ball with Atletico Madrid superstar, Saul Niguez in the UEFA Champions League. (imago Images)

Chelsea can use a midfielder like him, with bags of top-flight and European experience at Atletico. His versatility to play anywhere in the midfield for club and country is just the icing on the cake.

Saul to Premier League?

Potentially missing out on Saul would not be the end of the world for Thomas Tuchel, but it would still be a blow- albeit one that’s manageable. The Blues have a set pecking order in their midfield.

N’Golo Kante is a regular starter under the German manager and so is Jorginho, with Mateo Kovacic also starting a number of games. Nevertheless, Saul’s addition- if it does happen- could mean added protection for the Londoners.

That is because of the uncertainty surrounding the future of their former Napoli midfielder and UEFA Euro 2020 hero, Jorginho. His agent recently indicated that the midfielder can leave the club if his contract renewal at Stamford Bridge does not happen.

More Chelsea News:

• Agent of Jorginho hints at Chelsea exit if new contract not offered
• Transfer News: Chelsea to fight Man United for Joachim Andersen
• Chelsea joined by Liverpool, Man United in Saul Niguez chase

Nevertheless, fans would not mind seeing a quality midfielder in their ranks regardless of Jorginho’s future. It remains to be seen if the club manages to bring in someone in that position- and if that player is Saul.