When Atletico Madrid said goodbye to Saul Niguez at the end of the summer window, the plan was that they wouldn’t see him back in the near future.
It was similar to the situation with Alvaro Morata, who was sent on loan to Juventus, in a deal which was extended and has a purchase opportunity.
AS report Atletico have been hoping to receive €75m for the permanent transfers of the two players, but there’s now doubts over whether that will happen. Should the moves fail then it will impact Diego Simeone’s transfer budget for the coming windows.
Morata is getting games for Juventus, and also for Spain, however, there’s worry over whether the Turin club will use their clause. There’s been suggestions in Italy that should Juve decide to keep the forward then they’ll try and negotiate the price down.
Atletico are ‘especially concerned’ about Saul, whose situation at Chelsea is worse. He’s only had 238 minutes of action, and English reports that the Blues are ready to say goodbye already have obviously spooked the Spanish club.
Saul’s purchase clause is put at around €40m, and should Chelsea not use that then it presents problems. AS say Atletico have no room for the player on their wage bill so would have to sell. Worryingly, a failed experience in the Premier League isn’t going to do much for his value.
