Saúl Ñíguez: Almost a Barcelona Player

Saúl Ñíguez is one of the players who generated the most excitement among football lovers after his great performances at Atlético de Madrid. That is why Barcelona was very close to signing the Spanish player, as stated by Gil Marín, an executive of the 'colchoneros'.

In an interview with 'El Transitor', the Atlético executive told the time when Josep Bartomeu, president of Barcelona, called him to inform him about their strong interest in the new Spanish gem.

"Bartomeu called me this summer to tell me that they needed a player with the characteristics of Saúl Ñíguez and that they intended to pay his release clause," said Gil Marín.

However, he also revealed that the response he gave to Bartomeu was even more surprising. "What he didn't know is that 3 days earlier we had signed the new contract and his release clause had increased from 80 to 150 million," he said.

Paying 150 million for Saúl was not in Barcelona's plans, which is why they let go of the option to sign him for this season. That's life.