Things haven’t gone to plan for Saul Niguez in London and it seems his time at Chelsea may almost be up already, as a January cancellation of his loan deal being mooted.
The midfielder has played just 239 minutes in five games since arriving at Stamford Bridge and has not managed to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans. Only third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli has fewer minutes than Saul for Chelsea in 2021/22.
If not for the Carabao Cup, then the Spaniard’s playing time would have been even less and it is clear he hasn’t settled in as hoped.
On Tuchel’s out list
Having not graced the field in any of Chelsea’s last six Premier League games, the writing is very much on the wall for Saul.
His Chelsea career got off to an ominous start when he was hooked at half time against Aston Villa and the German seems ready to send him back to Atletico.
Atletico dismiss return
However, Atletico Madrid, for their part, deny any possible return for the 26-year-old and it seems there was no clause in the loan deal which would allow Chelsea to unilaterally bring about a termination any earlier than July 2022.
Saul’s departure helped Atleti fund their move for Antoine Griezmann, so a return is not something they would be open to or able to countenance just yet.
However, Los Colchoneros are increasingly beginning to resign themselves to the fact that Chelsea will in no case be making the loan permanent, as they have an option to do, and therefore Saul will return to the club next summer.
Saul not giving up
The player, meanwhile, is not throwing in the towel just yet. Saul is determined to turn things around and become a success in England.
He faces stiff competition for game time in the middle of the park, with the likes of Jorginho, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante, but that’s what he signed up for and he knows the season has a long way to run yet, although he is frustrated by his lack of opportunities so far.
“When he hardly plays in the Premier League, how can he adapt?” a source told The Sun.
“He has come from a big club and has played in big games before. He wants to show he can handle it.
He is not angry, he is happy in London, as is his girlfriend. They are determined to see out the move.
“But he would like the chance to play a bit more. Being on the bench so much has come as quite a surprise.”
