This summer, Saul Niguez could be finally set to leave the Spanish capital, as he might find it hard to resist Manchester United’s offer. Nonetheless, Atletico Madrid won’t be left stranded, as they will reportedly try to replace him with either Rodrigo Bentancur or Marcelo Brozovic.
According to Mundo Deportivo (via Calciomercato), both midfielders are valued at around 50 million euros.
The Inter regista has been a key player for Antonio Conte this season, participating in the majority of the matches as a starter.
The Croatian has so far made 26 Serie A appearances this term, scoring a single goal and providing 6 assists in the process.
On the other hand, the Juventus man has seen several ups and downs throughout an inconsistent campaign, but nevertheless remains an important addition in Andrea Pirlo’s thin midfield.
The young Uruguayan has also featured in 26 Serie A fixtures this term, and provided four assists, but is yet to score a league goal.
The report adds that coach Diego Simeone was the one who proposed these two names to the directors of the Spanish capital club.
However, everything depends on whether or not Saul will truly end making a move to the Premier League this summer.
Our View on Bentancur and Brozovic Links to Atletico
Whilst Bentancur and Brozovic could both be tempted with the prospect of trying their luck in a Spanish adventure with Atletico, it’s unlikely that their respective clubs will allow them to walk through the door so easily.
The report mentions a 50M valuation, which seems like a decent sum of money, especially in Juve’s case – as they will be focusing on renovating their midfield next summer.
Nonetheless, Atletico’s willingness – as well as their ability – to spend such figures on a central midfielder in the current economical crisis remains doubtful to say the least.