Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez could snub interest from Liverpool to join FC Barcelona this summer, as per Inside Futbol.
They cite Mundo Deportivo claiming: “Saul is expected to leave Atletico Madrid this summer and he has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.
“The Reds have identified the Spanish midfielder as the replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer this summer.
“But the Spaniard is also being courted by Barcelona, who are willing to allow Antoine Griezmann to join Atletico Madrid in a swap deal.
“And according to Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo, the midfielder would prefer to move to Barcelona over joining a side in the Premier League.”
Will Saul Niguez choose Liverpool or FC Barcelona?
Liverpool have lost Wijnaldum as a free agent this summer and instead of joining Barcelona(as originally planned), the Netherlands international has chosen to head to PSG.
And this is perhaps the sole reason why Barca have now shown an interest in Saul Niguez, something which could prove to be disastrous for Liverpool.
Barcelona are willing to let Antoine Griezmann go the other way as they look to reduce their current wage bills for the upcoming season and this is another big reason why Jurgen Klopp’s side might miss out on Saul.
Since Wijnaldum left as a free agent meaning any replacement cost will have to borne by the club in full so we doubt if the Anfield management will be ready to spend crazy amounts for the 26-year-old.
Saul Niguez might be valued at only £36 million right now but he has five more years left on his contract with Atletico so there’s no way the Spanish side are going to let him leave on a bargain deal.
As far as the player is concerned, at Liverpool, he might get more game time but there’s a big chance he could choose a move to Barcelona if he wants to remain at the comforts of the Spanish league.
