According to a recent report by ESPN, Manchester City are inching closer towards sealing a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez in the summer. The same source has also revealed the Citizens are set to beat Barcelona in the race to land the Spanish playmaker at the end of this campaign.
A source close to ESPN FC has also stated, “He can’t stay at Atletico anymore, everything’s complicated for him there,”
Niguez has been one of the most consistent performers in Diego Simeone’s side over the past few campaigns. The Elche born talent has also enjoyed a fruitful season after putting in a few match-winning displays at the Wanda Metropolitano thus far.
The 24-year-old has featured in 36 matches for Atletico Madrid this term, scoring five goals while providing three assists in all competitions. He is also quite experienced at the international stage having represented Spain in 15 matches and scoring two goals for them so far.
Niguez is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders that the La Liga has to offer and at 24, he is about to embark upon the peak years of his career which the Citizens could look to benefit from in the next few years.
The Spaniard is a complete midfielder as he is good at both the offensive and the defensive ends of the pitch. The Atletico Madrid talent primarily operates in central midfield but can also feature on the flanks if required. He is a terrific playmaker and can unlock the most rigid of defences using his eye for a killer pass.
He could be an ideal candidate to be a long-term replacement for Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium. The potential acquisition of Niguez will undoubtedly bolster Pep Guardiola’s midfield options at the blue half of Manchester. Man City have already got some talented midfielders in their ranks such as Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan, Fabian Delph and Phil Foden vying for a midfield berth in Guardiola’s starting XI.
Niguez’s addition will increase competition for places within the Man City team and will also improve the overall quality of their squad. Hence, it makes a lot of sense for Guardiola to opt for his services next summer.
