---
title: "Virals: Journalist claims Saul Niguez swap deal is ‘cooling down’"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-journalist-claims-saul-niguez-swap-deal-is-cooling-down/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-07-17T14:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-07-17T14:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: Journalist claims Saul Niguez swap deal is ‘cooling down’

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/07/17/virals-journalist-delivers-opinion-on-houssem-aouars-transfer-destination/) have been heavily linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder [Saul Niguez](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/07/16/virals-liverpool-target-saul-niguez-waiting-for-epl-offer/) in recent days and a potential move could remain on the cards.

The Reds looked for a long time to be the [frontrunners](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/media-watch/437828-liverpool-make-offer-for-saul-niguez) for the 26-year-old’s signature until La Liga giants Barcelona offered the return of Antoine Griezmann to the Spanish capital club.

That move seemed to [take precedent](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12356402/antoine-griezmann-and-saul-niguez-barcelona-in-talks-with-atletico-madrid-over-swap-deal) over any interest from Anfield and Jurgen Klopp was facing the possibility of missing out on Saul.

However, according to Sky Sports journalist [Matteo Moretto](https://twitter.com/MatteMoretto), as cited by [Football Talk](https://twitter.com/Football_TaIk/status/1416346292851134471) on Twitter, the mooted high-profile exchange could be fading.

> Twitter: The Saúl-Griezmann swap is cooling down. So far it has not fallen through but it is cooling down. The clubs have no… https://t.co/XEhmUWirMi (@Football\_TaIk)

Ironically, Griezmann is [reportedly](https://www.90min.com/posts/barcelona-transfer-news-antoine-griezmann-agent-premier-league-exclusive) being made available to Liverpool this summer as the Frenchman looks set to leave the Camp Nou.

As for Saul, the [19 times capped](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/nationalmannschaft/spieler/148928/verein_id/3375) Spanish ace has been a superb servant to Atletico and made [33 league appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/148928) last term as Diego Simeone’s side lifted the title.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Signing the Spaniard this summer would be the perfect antidote for a departed Gini Wijnaldum.

Capable of playing in [numerous positions](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/leistungsdaten/spieler/148928) across midfield, Saul is a high-quality operator at the top level and would slot straight into Klopp’s squad with little adaptation required.

Valued at £36million and under contract until 2026 ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/saul-niguez/marktwertverlauf/spieler/148928)), landing the ace for anything close to the [mooted £43million asking price](<https://metro.co.uk/2021/07/13/liverpool-make-offer-for-saul-niguez-but-atletico-madrid-holding-out-for-50m-14922395/#:~:text=Liverpool%20have%20made%20a%20%E2%82%AC,%E2%82%AC50m%20(%C2%A343m).>) would be a shrewd piece of business for the Reds.