The football world witnessed the end of an era as Saúl Ñíguez terminated his contract with Atlético Madrid and agreed to join Turkish side Trabzonspor as a free agent. After 17 remarkable years with Los Rojiblancos, the 30-year-old Spanish midfielder is set to embark on a new chapter in Turkey, marking one of the most significant departures in recent Atlético Madrid history.
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The End of a Historic Partnership
Saúl’s departure represents more than just a transfer; it’s the conclusion of a love story that began in 2007 when the young midfielder joined Atlético Madrid’s academy. The player from Elche joined the Academy in 2007, and over nearly two decades, he became synonymous with the red and white stripes of the Spanish capital club.
The decision to part ways wasn’t taken lightly by either party. Saúl has one of the highest salaries in the Atleti squad, so there has been a desire from club bosses to get his wages off the books. This financial consideration, combined with limited playing opportunities under Diego Simeone, ultimately led to the mutual agreement for contract termination.
From Madrid to Istanbul: The Trabzonspor Move
The 30-year-old has reached a personal agreement with the Turkish club and is working on terminating his contract with Atletico. The move to Trabzonspor represents a fresh start for the versatile midfielder, who will reportedly sign a lucrative four-year deal with the Turkish giants.
Saúl will sign a four-year contract with the Turkish team, with an estimated salary of around 3.5 million euros net per year plus bonuses. This substantial package demonstrates Trabzonspor’s ambitious project and their desire to make a statement signing in the Turkish Süper Lig.
The Turkish club has been actively pursuing high-profile signings, and Saúl’s arrival would represent a significant coup. His experience in La Liga, Champions League, and international football with Spain makes him an invaluable addition to Trabzonspor’s midfield.
A Complex Exit Strategy
Saúl’s departure from Atlético Madrid has been orchestrated through careful planning. Initially, the club had attempted to manage his situation through a loan arrangement with Sevilla. Officially, Saúl remained under contract to Atlético for the coming season — during which the club reportedly paid €6 million of his €7 million net salary during his loan spell.
However, when Sevilla decided against making the loan permanent, both player and club recognized that a clean break was the best solution. The Spanish midfielder reached a friendly agreement with the red-and-white club to leave without compensation, demonstrating the mutual respect between all parties involved.
Career Highlights and Legacy at Atlético Madrid
During his time at Atlético Madrid, Saúl established himself as one of La Liga’s most consistent performers. His versatility allowed him to operate effectively in multiple positions, from central midfield to left-back when needed. This adaptability made him invaluable to Diego Simeone’s tactical system for many years.
The midfielder’s crowning moment came with his memorable Champions League goal against Bayern Munich in 2016, which helped Atlético reach the final. His ability to perform in crucial moments epitomized his importance to the team during their most successful period under Simeone.
Financial Implications for Atlético Madrid
The contract termination provides significant financial relief for Atlético Madrid. Paying €6m is not ideal, but it still means that Atletico Madrid save a significant portion of Saul’s massive salary. This cost-saving measure allows the club to reinvest in new talent and maintain financial stability in an increasingly competitive transfer market.
The termination also frees up a valuable squad position, giving Simeone more flexibility in his team selection and tactical approach. With younger players emerging from the academy and new signings joining the club, Saúl’s departure creates opportunities for fresh talent to flourish.
Impact on Both Clubs
For Atlético Madrid, Saúl’s departure marks the end of an era but also signals a new beginning. The club has been gradually refreshing its squad, and this move aligns with their strategy of reducing the wage bill while promoting younger talent.
Trabzonspor, meanwhile, gains a world-class midfielder with extensive European experience. His arrival sends a strong message about the club’s ambitions and could attract other high-profile players to the Turkish league.
Player Statistics and Achievements
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Years at Atlético Madrid | 17 years (2007-2024) |
| Contract Duration | Until 2026 (terminated early) |
| New Club | Trabzonspor |
| Contract Length | 4 years |
| Annual Salary | €3.5 million net plus bonuses |
| Position | Central Midfielder |
Transfer Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Joins Atlético Madrid academy |
| 2024 | Loan to Sevilla |
| July 2025 | Contract termination negotiations |
| July 2025 | Agreement with Trabzonspor reached |
| Next Week | Official announcement expected |
Looking Ahead
As Saúl prepares for his Turkish adventure, both he and Atlético Madrid can look back on their partnership with pride. The mutual respect shown during the separation process reflects the professional relationship that has defined their long association.
Once the contract termination is settled, he is expected to travel to Istanbul to complete the move. This transition represents not just a change of scenery for the player, but also an opportunity to rediscover his passion for the game in a new environment.
The football community will watch with interest as this new chapter unfolds, marking the end of one of the longest player-club relationships in modern football.
Read More: What are the Problems That the Club World Cup Hints at Ahead of the 2026 World Cup at USA?
FAQs
Why did Saúl leave Atlético Madrid after 17 years?
The departure was mutually agreed upon due to limited playing time under Diego Simeone and Atlético Madrid’s desire to reduce their wage bill. Despite having a contract until 2026, both parties felt it was best to part ways amicably.
How much will Saúl earn at Trabzonspor?
Saúl will reportedly earn around €3.5 million net per year plus performance bonuses on his four-year contract with the Turkish club.
Will Atlético Madrid receive a transfer fee for Saúl?
No, Saúl terminated his contract and will join Trabzonspor as a free agent. However, this arrangement helps Atlético Madrid save on his substantial salary.
When will the transfer be officially announced?
According to reports, the official announcement is expected next week once all contractual details are finalized.
What position does Saúl play and what will he bring to Trabzonspor?
Saúl is primarily a central midfielder but can also play as a left-back. He brings extensive La Liga and Champions League experience, along with international pedigree with Spain, making him a significant signing for Trabzonspor’s ambitions.
