SAÚL ÑÍGUEZ BECOMES FOURTH SIGNING OF THE SUMMER

An agreement has been reached with Atlético de Madrid for Saúl Ñíguez. Saúl becomes our fourth signing of the summer and he arrrves on loan with the possibility of a further extension at the end of the current 2024/25 season.

Having come through the youth system at Atlético de Madrid, Saúl made his first-team debut in the 2011/12 season in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 against Besiktas. After winning his first European title by defeating Athletic Club in Bucharest, the midfielder gained more playing time with the first team in the 2012/13 season, playing in two league matches, seven UEFA Europa League matches, and two Copa del Rey matches, which Atlético won against Real Madrid. It was in the 13/14 season that Saúl established himself in La Liga through a loan to Rayo Vallecano. With the team from Vallecas, he played a total of 34 league matches—scoring two goals and providing one assist—and played three Copa del Rey matches.

Between 2016 and 2021 Saúl scored 30 goals and provided 13 assists in 242 games

His excellent performance at Rayo Vallecano caught the eye of Diego Simeone, who made Saúl an important part of his team in the 2014/15 season. Saúl played in 35 matches across various competitions, 24 in La Liga, 5 in the UEFA Champions League, 4 in the Copa del Rey, and 2 in the Spanish Super Cup, scoring four goals and providing two assists. After winning the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid, Saúl Ñíguez started the 2015/16 season as a key starter for Atlético de Madrid. He scored nine goals and provided four assists, participating in 33 league matches, 12 UEFA Champions League matches, and eight Copa del Rey matches.

Between the 2016/17 season to the 2020/21 season, Saúl played 242 matches, becoming a vital cornerstone in Diego Pablo Simeone's side. Averaging 48 matches per season across all competitions, he showcased his offensive potential by scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists. During this period, he won another UEFA Europa League title, a UEFA Super Cup, and a La Liga title. Saúl started the following season by playing in the first three league matches, registering one assist. In September, he moved to Stamford Bridge on loan, joining Chelsea. He played 23 matches with Chelsea, winning the Club World Cup and finishing as runners-up in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, both against Liverpool. After his stint in England, the midfielder returned to Atlético de Madrid, where over the next two seasons, he played in 87 matches, scoring five goals and providing six assists.

At international level, Saúl Ñíguez was the top scorer of the European Under-21 Championship in the 16/17 season with five goals. Across all age groups from Under-17s to Under-21s, he played a total of 44 matches. He made his debut with the senior national team at the age of 21 in September 2016 in a friendly match against Belgium. With the national team, he has scored three goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances.