Atletico Madrid are reportedly willing to do business for midfielder Saul Niguez. The Telegraph report the Spanish side are open to receiving offers around £85 million.
Niguez has a release clause of around £130 million. United are reportedly keen to land the 25-year-old.
At £85 million he would become United’s second most expensive ever signing.
It is rare a club like Atletico would be willing to negotiate a sale of one of their top players, so United need to take advantage of this. AS report they are looking to raise money with a January sale.
A move would be a bold one from United, but there’s a strong argument to just pay the money. He would solve three issues at Old Trafford.
Midfield no longer light
United’s midfield has been totally reliant on Scott McTominay and Fred in recent months. Saul Niguez would instantly solve this problem.
He would compete with Fred for a place in the starting XI and will be a player United can rely on for years to come.
The Spain international has proven quality and would turn two quality and reliable United midfielders into three.
Nemanja Matic would be free to leave, and Andreas Pereira would no longer be an option aside from an attacking role.
Pogba replacement
We did not mention Paul Pogba above as United have become used to dealing with life without him.
Many fans fear Pogba’s heart is lo longer at United and Saul Niguez’s arrival will effectively free him to leave.
Pogba might be off next summer anyway, and when that happens, replacing him is going to be really difficult.
It gets even more tricky if Pogba is gone and teams know that United are sitting with a wad load of cash.
Getting a replacement in first is a strong strategic decision as well as a smart footballing one.
Saul’s arrival might even help Pogba decide he wants to stay if it allows him to operate solely as an attacking player.
Pulling power
United’s transfer business this past summer saw the club pay up for players from Swansea City, Leicester City and Crystal Palace.
Buying a top star from Atletico Madrid would prove United’s pulling power and make a statement to the rest of Europe.
It will also show supporters that the club is prepared to sign players from elite clubs when the opportunity presents itself.
There are obviously differing priorities at United, with creative an attacking players needed, but a top midfielder is also required with the club inexplicably deciding not to replace Ander Herrera.
Saul is a terrific player who could have a similar effect to the Spaniard on United’s team. Paying big would be a big statement and this is a rare chance to get him that the club may have to seize.
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