Thomas Tuchel revealed Saul Niguez has been a long-term target for Chelsea and the Atletico Madrid loanee could be in line for his debut against Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old won LaLiga with Atletico last term before joining the Blues on a season-long loan, Tuchel s men reportedly holding a purchase option for £30million (€34m) after paying an initial loan fee of £5m (€5.8m).
As Chelsea look to become the second team, after Manchester United, to reach 600 Premier League wins, Tuchel explained his new recruit s debut has been years in the making.
He was with us now for two weeks, Tuchel told reporters. He played on the highest level. I think the picture is very clear. The club follows him for years.
We know the player very well. He had a quick adaptation with Marcos Alonso and Kepa [Arrizabalaga], in welcoming him into the group.
He is in the squad for tomorrow. Jorginho can never say no when Italy plays, even when they are 5-0 up, so he is quite tired. It s absolutely possible Saul plays for us.
Saul only managed 22 league starts last campaign, his fewest since 2014-15, but still ranked fourth for attempted tackles in LaLiga for Atletico (57).
Indeed, prior to his departure, only Real Madrid s Casemiro (190) had attempted more tackles by a midfielder than Saul (159) in the Spanish top flight since August 2019.
Saul silverware.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC)
With N Golo Kante out injured with an ankle problem sustained against Liverpool, the Spain midfielder could provide vital legs in Tuchel s midfield.
But Tuchel credited those above him in the Chelsea hierarchy for securing the deal from Diego Simeone s side.
Marina [Granovskaia] was in charge, the best person, the Blues head coach continued. We were in contact. We knew about the situation.
We knew things could happen later, we were very aware. I assured everybody that I m also happy if we cannot bring a player in. We would find a solution in the squad. It was clear, we would try for [Jules] Kounde and Saul.
In the end, it was possible to get Saul which was a key position for us to have more alternatives. A lot of competition [is] now going on. It s my job to be a good moderator.
