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Mundo Deportivo and Sport both reported on Tuesday that Barcelona have paid €15m to Atlético Madrid and will have a right of refusal for Saúl Ñíguez, José Giménez and a few academy players.

On the back page of today’s edition of Mundo Deportivo, journalist Miguel Rico claims ‘there is no one who understands’ this agreement between the two cubs.

Rico focuses on Saúl and explains the 24-year-old was first linked to the La Liga winners in 2013 as he’s always been a ‘very, very interesting footballer’.

However, the Blaugrana weren’t successful in completing his transfer on several occasions in the past.

In 2016, Barcelona were interested in the midfielder when his release clause was €45m. They took a long time to make a decision, which frustrated the player and his father, who then decided to sign an extension at Atlético. This saw his release clause increase to €80m. 

Two years ago, Diego Simeone’s side further raised the buyout clause to €150m due to interest from the Premier League.

Rico is of the belief the agreement between Barcelona and Atlético is a ‘ridiculous option’ because the former will have to end up paying more than anyone, if they want to sign Saúl.