Transfer News: Chelsea did not sign Saul Niguez on a permanent deal. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
According to Absolute Chelsea (via Marca) (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are not going to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez on a permanent deal with the player set to return to the Spanish capital this summer.
The midfielder has been on loan with the Blues since the start of the 2021/22 season but things have not panned out as expected. The talented Spaniard has had a couple of rough years in football and has struggled to find form even at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old played 26 games for Thomas Tuchel’s team, scoring one goal and providing one assist across all competitions. Struggling to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League, Saul was reduced to a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge.
That said, it comes as no surprise that the Blues don’t want to pursue a permanent deal. He has after all shown little to suggest that Chelsea will be getting themselves a world-class player.
Saul was signed by Chelsea towards the end of the transfer window last year but his influence has been absolutely minimal if any. This is despite Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s struggles, not to mention Mateo Kovacic’s injuries.
There is no denying that the Blues need to strengthen their midfield in the next few windows. Both Kante and Jorginho are ageing and their performances are not at the levels they used to be. Kovacic’s struggle with injuries is also a red flag that needs to be addressed.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley have failed to convince in the opportunities given to them. In Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour, Chelsea have two very promising midfield prospects in English football and could serve the club for years to come.
If Saul had impressed during his time at Stamford Bridge, we could have pursued a deal for the midfielder and made him a part of our long term future. The Spaniard definitely has the skills to succeed at Chelsea but unfortunately, he has not been able to showcase it.
It remains to be seen as to who Chelsea decides to sign to reinforce the midfield for the future. Saul Niguez unfortunately is not that player.
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