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Manchester City are close to signing Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez, according to a report on ESPN. The midfielder is out of contract in 2026 and has a release clause of 150 million euros.
According to ESPN, City believe Saul is the perfect long-term replacement for Fernandinho. The Brazilian international is a key player in Pep Guardiola's side but at 34 doesn't have many years left at the top level.
After missing out on Frenkie de Jong to Barça, City have changed their focus to Saul, who is currently with the Spain squad.
Saul could leave Atletico at a difficult moment after the painful Champions League KO to Juventus. But he may not be the only player leaving, with Antoine Girezmann also seeking an exit.
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City are ahead of Barça in the race to sign Saul. The Catalans have previously shown an interest in him but the arrival of De Jong and the financial side of a deal makes it complicated.