Atlético Madrid ace Saul Niguez revealed on Sunday that he will announce a “new club” in three days, with the Spaniard being linked to the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United. The 25-year-old midfielder took to Twitter to post a cryptic message, which has got the fans of both the Manchester clubs excited.
The vague post on his official Twitter page read:
“Communication. I wanted to communicate something important to you.”
Saul went on to attach an image in both Spanish and English which stated:
“NEW CLUB. I will announce it [in] 3 days.”
Several reports in the Spanish media claim that the graphical message has nothing to do with Saul Niguez’s future, while on the other hand, the English media insists that the Spaniard may leave Atlético Madrid and join either Manchester United or Manchester City.
Moreover, the tweet has sparked memories of former Atléti superstar Antoine Griezmann’s “La Decision” documentary in 2018, where the French attacker revealed that he would be staying in Madrid, only to leave for Barcelona a year later.
Although it is unlikely that Saul will make such a huge announcement just a week before La Liga resumes after the COVID-19 outbreak, we have still tried to analyse the Spain international is best suited for which club.
Manchester City
Pros
A like-for-like replacement of David Silva:
After serving for almost a decade for Manchester City, David Silva is all set to leave the club at the end of the season as a free agent. Although it would be really difficult for the Citizens to replace such a key figure as he has been an integral part of the club’s recent success, Saul Niguez is the closest they can get in terms of matching Silva’s brilliance.
Just like Silva, his fellow countryman, Saul Niguez is also a left-footed versatile midfielder, who is blessed with an excellent first touch, outstanding technical ability, and a sharp footballing brain. Despite playing in a playmaker’s role for Diego Simeone’s side, the 25-year-old also contributes heavily in terms of defending.
Playing under Pep Guardiola’s management:
Pep Guardiola is one of the best in business when it comes to getting the best out of any player, and Saul could experience playing under the Spaniard’s management if he decides to sign for Manchester City. Besides, Guardiola’s midfield-dominated football philosophy will suit Saul as he has been ingrained into the style of play for his national side. To add another point into the mix, being Spaniards, both Saul and Guardiola speak Spanish fluently, which will certainly help the midfielder to settle at the Etihad quicker if he indeed decides to join them.
Cons:
Possibility of becoming a squad player
With a plethora of midfielders, such as Riyad Mahrez, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, İlkay Gündoğan, Phil Foden and Rodri in their ranks, there is the possibility of Saul becoming one of those squad players who Pep Guardiola uses here and there to keep his team fresh and energetic. Besides, from Manchester City’s point of view, signing another attacking midfielder could hamper the growth of their own prodigy – Phil Foden.
Manchester United:
Pros
A replacement of Paul Pogba:
With Paul Poga being heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford, Saul Niguez can become a proper replacement for the Frenchman. He even has the potential to exceed Pogba’s legacy at Manchester United. The 25-year-old can play the role of a box-to-box midfielder as he has already done for the Spanish national team.
The midfielder is also blessed with the quality of scoring clutch goals for his team. Besides, Manchester United will have a no-nonsense player, who only does his talking on the field and lives a proper athletes’ life.
Cons:
Manchester United are currently sitting fifth in the Premier League and are not guaranteed a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. So, in this day and age of football, where players value playing in the premium continental competition very highly, a footballer of Saul’s calibre wouldn’t want to miss out on featuring in the Champions League, even for a season.
Verdict:
Taking all the pros and cons into account, it will be best suited for a player of Saul’s calibre to join Manchester City over Manchester United as the Citizens have a specific and clear roadmap ahead.
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