Transfer News: Chelsea bought Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid as a favour for his agent
According to Cadena SER (h/t The Mirror), Chelsea signed Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid in the summer only as a favour for his representatives. He was bought on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the term.
Niguez was tipped to become one of the greatest midfielders the game has ever seen. He started well at Wanda Metropolitano but his versatility to play in multiple positions backfired as he was deemed dispensable by Diego Simeone.
The Blues had to pay £4million as a loan fee to Atletico for the services of the Spaniard. The optional buy clause worth £30m gets activated next summer, and they can buy him permanently if they decide to do so. However, it is said that Thomas Tuchel had no plans for him in the squad in the first place.
Marina Granovskaia only signed the 26-year-old on a favour for his agent on the deadline day in August. The loan deal could be cut short prematurely due to the midfielder failing to make a mark at Stamford Bridge.
The Spain international had a nightmare debut against Aston Villa and had to be substituted at halftime. He has fared well following that display, but minutes have been hard to come by due to heavy competition in midfield.
Tuchel had praised him for his performance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup but, he is still behind others in terms of reliability. Since he was not a transfer target in the first place, the loan could be terminated in the January transfer window.
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It remains to be seen what lies ahead for the loanee as things have not panned out to be the way he hoped. With the Premier League leaders battling in multiple competitions, opportunities could come for the Spain midfielder and there is still enough time for him to prove his worth to the squad.
