Chelsea have completed the last-minute, Deadline Day signing of Saul Niguez on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid.
The Blues agreed a €4million fee with the LaLiga outfit to bring the Spain international to Stamford Bridge for the season, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer for £30m.
It appeared as though a deal was in doubt when the 11pm deadline passed without an announcement, but the paperwork was submitted in the nick of time.
After breaking into the Atleti first team at the age of 17, Saul has made more than 300 appearances for the club and has lifted the LaLiga title twice.
Despite featuring in two Champions League finals, the midfielder is yet to lift the prestigious trophy – which is currently residing in west London.
Having completed the signing of Rodrigo de Paul, Diego Simeone seemingly saw the midfielder as surplus to requirements and was dropped top the bench for the 2-2 draw with Villareal this weekend.
talkSPORT’s Spanish football expert Kevin Hatchard described what Saul would bring to Stamford Bridge and he believes he’s exactly what the Blues need.
We’re delighted to welcome @saulniguez to the club on a season-long loan!
#HolaSaul
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 31, 2021
“I think Chelsea are getting an excellent player. They’re getting someone with a lot of experience.
“Someone’s who’s just one a title, LaLiga, and played a lot of big Champions League matches.
“He’s versatile and a real tiger in there – really tenacious.
“I think he’s perfect for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea really”
Having already signed Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Tuchel hoped to add Jules Kounde to his defensive ranks having let Kurt Zouma join West Ham United.
Yet Sevilla have reportedly blocked a move for the France international and sporting director Monchi stood by the club’s stance.
Kounde, who joined the La Liga side in 2019, has made 91 appearances for Sevilla and attracted the attention of many of Europe’s top clubs.
“There’s been a lot of talk about moves made for Jules, the majority of which were rejected by the player,” said Monchi.
“If there was one club he liked the look of, it was Chelsea.”
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