Atletico Madrid have told Saul Niguez that they are not expecting him to stay for the 24/25 season. The Atletico academy graduate’s importance in the first team has been steadily reducing this season. Most of his 34 LaLiga appearances have been from the bench, and it now seems that the club is ready to cash in on him.
The Spaniard spent the 21/22 season on loan at Chelsea, and struggled to find his footing there. He hasn’t quite been the same since returning to Atletico Madrid in 2022, with his role becoming less prominent with every passing season.
Saul Niguez to leave Atletico Madrid in summer 2024
💣🚨 BREAKING: Atlético Madrid believes that Saúl Ñíguez’s cycle at the club has come to an end. They encourage the Spanish midfielder to seek a new team.
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) June 4, 2024
[🎖️: @MatteMoretto, @relevo] pic.twitter.com/jx3UnBNd5e
The 29-year-old has played over 2,000 minutes of football this season, but his quality hasn’t been up to the level he once showed. Prior to his loan move, he was part of a solid midfield duo with Koke. But, it now seems that Atletico are ready to move on.
Saul has a contract with Atletico Madrid until 2026, which means they can charge a higher fee than his market value. But, since they want to part ways with him, they are more likely to accept a cut-price deal to get him off their books.
All in all, Saul Niguez has made 427 appearances for the Rojiblancos, scoring 48 goals and providing 26 assists. He has won the LaLiga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, UEFA Super Cup and two UEFA Europa League titles with Atletico since his promotion to the first team a decade ago.
