Manchester City close to finalizing deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder

Manchester City is closing in on a deal for Saul Niguez after moving ahead of Barcelona in the race to sign the Atletico Madrid midfield schemer. 

Pep Guardiola identified the 24-year-old as an alternative to Frenkie de Jong, who subsequently signed for Barcelona, as a long-term successor to Fernandinho, a man a decade older than Saul. 

After the €75m capture of De Jong, it was thought that Ernesto Valverde’s Barcelona would also look to add Saul to their squad but City’s firmer interest has allegedly warned off Barcelona for any potential deal, according to ESPN FC.

With Atletico ten points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga title chase and the club out of the Champions League, the outstanding box-to-box midfielder sees no future for himself at Wanda Metropolitano stadium. 

It is Saul’s versatility that first appealed to Barcelona and that must be one of the foremost qualities and thoughts in Pep Guardiola’s mind. After missing out on previous targets Fred & Jorginho, players that moved to Manchester United & Chelsea respectively, Pep will be eager to finalise a deal soon.

While Atletico is eager to hold out for around €120m, sources said a fee of €80m would be enough to finalise a transfer to Manchester City for Saul, and Atletico needs the funds.

Fernandinho, the 34-year-old all-action midfielder that Saul might be replacing at Manchester City, is not getting any younger and manager Guardiola is keen to bolster his options in that regard.

Saul & Spain will be kicking off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign on Saturday.