Chelsea has signed Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez on a season-long loan deal. With the move hanging in the balance for several days the two parties finally reached an agreement on Tuesday, just hours before the transfer deadline following protracted negotiations with the Spanish club.
“We have completed the signing of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer at the end of the season,” the Blues wrote on their website confirming the football transfer.
A few days ago an agreement was nearly reached with only the inclusion of either an option or an obligation to buy remaining to be ironed out. However, discussions came to a standstill when it was known that Saul was concerned about his potential game time at Stamford Bridge, and Atletico was hesitant to approve the loan unless an obligation to buy was included.
The Los Rojiblancos then stated that they would not do business with Chelsea unless a replacement for the 26-year-old was found first, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Pablo Sarabia their preferred target. Saul will continue to play in west London for the rest of the season after a late agreement has been reached between the two clubs.
Chelsea reportedly got their way with a €35 million option to buy, while the Blues will pay an initial loan fee of €5 million for Saul’s services. The player is expected to arrive in the capital soon to finalize terms. “I am very excited to start this new challenge with Chelsea,” Saul spoke on his transfer news. “Blues fans, I’m one of you now and I can’t wait to put on the shirt, start training, and see you all.”
“We welcome Saul to the club and we believe he complements our team as we compete for honors in five different competitions this season. He is a proven winner, a player with immense experience and we know he will be very fit for the challenges ahead on all fronts next year,” said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia
