Chelsea at odds with La Liga giants over underused loan star

Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in transfer dispute over Saul Niguez

According to Marca (h/t Express), Premier League giants Chelsea and La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are on collision course over the situation surrounding midfielder Saul Niguez.

The on-loan Spaniard was a late deadline day signing for the Blues but has struggled to make an impression at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are now considering terminating the midfielder’s season-long loan spell in the middle of the season.

Things haven’t gone according to the plan for the 26-year-old as he has been more of a spectator for the Blues. His Chelsea career got off to a shocking start when he was taken off at halftime against Aston Villa on his full debut.

Since then he has hardly played for the west Londoners. Thomas Tuchel is now playing Saul in the Carabao Cup and was back on the bench for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Burnley where he was an unused substitute. The Spanish international has featured just five times under Thomas Tuchel

The Chelsea management is frustrated with the midfielder’s performances and are trying to cancel his contract ahead of the January transfer market. However, according to Marca (h/t Express), there is no clause in their agreement that will help the Blues have their way.

By letting Saul leave, Atletico were able to bring in Antoine Griezmann on loan themselves. What it will mean if he does indeed return remains to be seen.

Saul was determined to win Thomas Tuchel round and salvage his temporary stint in London, it now seems as though Tuchel has already made his mind up on the midfielder.

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Atletico are bracing themselves for Chelsea to reject the opportunity to sign the player permanently. Unless his form drastically improves for the better, it is unlikely to change their decision.