In a recent report, The Times has mentioned that Manchester City have been offered a chance to sign Saul Niguez in exchange for Bernardo Silva this summer. It is believed that Atletico Madrid are eager to land Silva, who is unsettled at Man City, and could be willing to give up Niguez in the process (via The Times).
Niguez’s Successful Campaign At The Spanish Capital
The Spanish midfield ace experienced another successful season at the Wanda Metropolitano after putting in a series of solid displays at the heart of Diego Simeone’s midfield. His incredible contributions helped the Madrid outfit win the La Liga title last season.
Niguez took part in 41 matches for the Spanish club in the previous campaign, finding the back of the net twice and providing one assist in all competitions. The Elche-born sensation managed to offer some decent protection for his teammates at the back by averaging 1.7 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in the Spanish top-flight. He even distributed the ball with conviction based on his pass completion rate of 84.4% in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 26-year-old is currently one of the best midfielders in Spanish football, so Pep Guardiola should consider swapping Bernardo Silva to bring Niguez to the Etihad Stadium during this summer transfer period.
Atletico Madrid Offer Niguez For Silva: Should Man City Take The Deal?
Niguez can shoot the ball with power and accuracy which makes him a goal-threat from long range. He has a good work ethic and can pass the ball well from midfield and find some holes in the opposition backline. The 19-time Spain international is also not afraid to do the dirty defensive work at the centre of the park as he can time his tackles well to earn possession back for his side. He has even got excellent defensive awareness that helps him clear the danger quickly when in danger of being outnumbered on the defensive end of the field.
A midfield of Niguez’s quality and winning mindset will be a brilliant signing for Man City even if it means they have to give up Bernardo Silva in the process. Even though Silva has been a joy to watch under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship in recent seasons, yet Man City would be wise to strengthen their midfield by taking the deal and signing Niguez in this off-season.
Guardiola would be better off finding a replacement for Silva who is not a guaranteed starter at the Etihad anymore. Plus, a swap deal involving Niguez and Silva makes sense for both Atletico Madrid and Man City in terms of abiding by the financial fair play regulations.
