Football

Thomas Tuchel’s promise was ‘decisive’ in Saul Niguez’s Chelsea transfer


Saul Niguez has joined Chelsea on an initial loan deal from Atletico Madrid (Getty)

Thomas Tuchel’s phone call played a key role in convincing Saul Niguez to join Chelsea, according to reports.

The Champions League holders completed their loan deal for the Atletico Madrid midfielder on deadline day and have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season for £30 million.

Saul will give Chelsea another experienced option in central midfield having won La Liga with Atletico, the Copa del Rey, as well as two Europa League trophies.

Chelsea were forced to fend off competition from Manchester United in the race to sign the Spain international during the closing stages of the transfer window.

And according to Goal, Tuchel played a ‘decisive’ role to ensure that Saul was heading to Stamford Bridge.

The report claims that Tuchel personally spoke with Saul on the phone and promised the Spaniard that he will be used solely as a central midfielder instead of being played in various roles like he has been during his time under Diego Simeone.

Saul Niguez has already begun training with Chelsea (Getty)

Saul has already began training with his new Chelsea teammates during the international break and could be given his debut against Aston Villa on Saturday.

‘The three midfielders who are playing are at a high level,’ Saul said after his move to Chelsea.

‘It will not be easy to play, but if I put my mind to it and fight it, I can get it.

‘Chelsea has promised me to train in my position [midfield], but to play we will see. To return to certain roles that I do not play in now – that is the most important reason for my decision.

‘This transfer is a step out of my comfort zone for me. I believe that you will see a new Saul in a new [better] place.’

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