A former Old Trafford favorite thinks the Spanish midfielder would be a treasured addition to the Red Devils’ ranks if their interest is made official.
Rio Ferdinand has backed Manchester United to make a move for Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez, who he has described as the “conductor” in Diego Simeone’s team.
Saul rose through the Atletico youth ranks before graduating to the senior squad in 2012, and has seeing that racked up 284 appearances for the club throughout all competitions, scoring 39 goals.
The 25-year-old has helped Los Rojiblancos win 5 major trophies at some point of that period, which includes two Europa League crowns and the Copa del Rey, whilst setting up himself as one of the most consistent performers in La Liga.
Atletico tied a prized asset down to a bumper nine-year contract in 2017, which is set to keep him at Wanda Metropolitano till 2026, but speculation over his future is starting to increase ahead of the summer season transfer window.
United have been closely linked with Saul in latest weeks, and are reportedly inclined to trigger the midfielder’s £135 million ($166m) release clause when the market reopens.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is predicted to make a variety of changes to his squad later in the year, with a whole host of top players being touted as attainable targets, which includes Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish and Leicester’s James Maddison.
Ferdinand acknowledges the fact his old club are the regular topics of transfer rumours, however additionally believes that Saul is a “major player” succesful of adding a new dimension to any side.
“He’s another one, what a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now,” the ex-United defender stated throughout an Instagram live video. “I think he’s a major player.
“Composed, calm, wonderful left foot, beautiful conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware.
“You can see Simeone, he gets his teams really properly set up and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.
“Saul Niguez is huge and it’s come out in the papers this week that Man Utd are interested in him, however we’ll have to wait and see. Man Utd are linked to everyone.”
UEFA is due to hold a video conference call on Wednesday to talk about whether or not the current dates for the summer season transfer window will be retained amid the coronavirus pandemic which has seen the 2019-20 campaign called to a halt.
Remaining fixtures may additionally have to be played at some stage in June and July, with it now being proposed that the window should be moved or prolonged whilst club sides complete their schedules.
