As the summer transfer window closes, Chelsea has been able to convince the spanish midfielder to the club with head coach, Thomas Tuchel’s deadline day promise to Saul Niguez.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel went beyond with his promise to ensure Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul came to Stamford Bridge, rather than Manchester United.
Tuchel being Frank Lampard successor at Stamford Bridge, help Chelsea secure the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup with a team entirely built up by his predecessor.
Romelu Lukaku may have been the only player through the door before deadline day as the German coach is keen on building his Chelsea squad.
The Chelsea boss had pointed out both a central defender and midfielder in the final hours of the summer window.
And while their move for Jules Kounde stood at an impasse, Tuchel stepped up his pursuit for Atletico Midfielder Saul Niguez.
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Chelsea will look to win the Club World Cup in December and Tuchel pinpointed the Spaniard as the ideal addition to his charges.
Tuchel’s deadline day promise to Saul
But there was one big problem however. Saul has concluded if he was to leave the Atletico, then it would be to go to a club that would play him in midfield.
According to Goal, Tuchel promise Saul would be signed as a midfielder, and a midfielder only.
Despite N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic all appearing to be ahead of the Spaniard in the immediate pecking order.
“Chelsea has promised me to train in my position [midfield], but to play we will see,” he said after his season-long loan deal was confirmed. – Saul said
“To return to certain roles that I do not play in now – that is the most important reason for my decision.”
He added: “The three midfielders who are playing are at a high level. It will not be easy to play, but if I put my mind to it and fight it, I can get it.”
That states that if Tuchel stick to his word, he will not be able to use his new signing as a wing-back in what could prove to be an area of need.
Chelsea had hoped to sign another right-back to add competition behind Reece James, but their pursuit of Achraf Hakimi came up short.
James is now set to play the majority of games in that position and even in his absence, Hudson-Odoi woul be the player to likely fill the gap as Tuchel had promised not to use Saul in that position.
For now, Tuchel’s call proved a masterstroke in getting the deal over the line. But it could prove to be a major headache down the road.
