Barcelona have turned down the opportunity to sign Atletico Madrid’s best player who is one of the world’s biggest big-game players.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were involved in a major controversy last summer when they triggered Antoine Griezmann’s release clause worth 120 million euros and brought him to the Camp Nou. The Rojiblancos’ president claimed that his club should have been paid 200 million euros since the Catalans were negotiating with Griezmann before July 1, when his fee was higher.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
There was a probe conducted by the Spanish Football Federation and Barca were found guilty, but they were fined a rather meagre sum of 300 euros. Having said that, it was also later said that they had paid 15 million euros to Atletico Madrid which gave them the right to match or improve a bid for Saul Niguez from any other club and led them to having a first signing right.
Saul Niguez has been one of the best players under Diego Simeone but stayed on for another season after the club’s exodus last summer, but he may be leaving this time around for newer challenges. Manchester United are thought to be interested in him and will need to trigger his release clause of 150 million euros, a sum the La Liga leaders can match if interested.
El Desmarque has reported that the Blaugrana are not interested in bringing in the attacking midfielder to the Camp Nou, which comes as a rather weird decision. While he is an expensive player, it is absurd to see anyone paying 150 million euros for him and thus, Atletico will have to lower his asking price should the Spaniard wish to depart in the summer.
Having said that, Arturo Vidal and Ivan Rakitic are both said to be on the move in the summer so Barca’s need for a midfielder will exist. With Arthur Melo also underperforming, they are targeting Fabian Ruiz but it is a no-brainier that Atletico Madrid’s best player in all probability would be a better option given his record in big games.
Atletico Madrid have benefitted from the player’s record in the big games. The Spain international has scored against the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool and Real Madrid amongst others in the most crucial timings, and he may be the big game player which Barca need in the Champions League especially on the away days.
Do you think Saul Niguez should be signed by Barcelona if they have the chance to do so?